Those looking to immigrate to Maryland or elsewhere in the United States might not necessarily have their citizenship revoked because of a lie. This was the basis of a Supreme Court ruling made on June 22. In order to be protected from revocation, the lie cannot lead to someone ultimately being denied citizenship. The case in question involved a woman who said that her husband fled to the United States to avoid serving in the Bosnian Serb army.
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What to do if immigration officers take someone into custody
People in Maryland whose loved ones are facing deportation may want to contact the applicable foreign consulate. Immigration arrests are on the rise under the Trump administration, and foreign nationals have a right to contact their consulate for assistance. The consulate may be able to refer themto attorneys.
Visa applicants to face social media background checks
Maryland residents will likely know that immigration has been a hot-button topic. President Trump's controversial travel ban has been struck down by federal courts and may ultimately be resolved by the Supreme Court, but other efforts designed to tighten border security have been implemented. Trump has called for more thorough background checks on individuals seeking entry into the United States, and the Office of Management and Budget announced on May 23 that visa applicants will now be expected to provide embassy and consular staff with far more information.
Extreme vetting questionnaire approved
President Trump has approved as part of his extreme vetting program involving prospective immigrants a questionnaire that asks for biographical information going back 15 years. Those looking to immigrate to Maryland or elsewhere in the United States will also have to provide social media information for the last five years. Specifically, applicants will need to document any travel that they have done in the last 15 years and disclose how it was paid for.
Fewer citizens of travel ban countries visiting U.S.
Maryland residents will likely recall the furor that surrounded President Trump's January 2017 executive order that banned citizens from seven primarily Muslim countries from entering the U.S. A federal court judge soon lifted the travel ban, and the Supreme Court may ultimately settle legal arguments regarding the president's authority in this area. Data from the State Department indicates that the number of visitors from these countries has plummeted in recent months.
