FR 2021-01749

General Summary of the Document

The proclamation titled "Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States" was issued by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on January 20, 2021. This proclamation seeks to revoke specific executive actions previously enacted that restricted entry into the United States from certain countries, particularly Muslim-majority and African nations. It emphasizes that these prior restrictions were inconsistent with American values of religious freedom and tolerance and critiques them for undermining national security and international alliances. The document articulates a commitment to apply a more individualized and rigorous vetting system for visa applicants while maintaining the country's foundational values.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the key issues with this document is its lack of detailed explanation concerning the security impacts expected from the revocation of previous executive orders and proclamations. While the document stresses a shift towards an individualized vetting process, it does not elaborate on the specific security measures that will replace those that were revoked.

Furthermore, the proclamation leans on the future delivery of reports and plans from the Secretary of State and other officials to provide clarity and direction, which introduces a level of uncertainty regarding specific outcomes and timelines. The outcomes of the proposed changes may be contingent on forthcoming reports and proposals that are not detailed in the proclamation.

The document references "Executive Order 13780 of March 6, 2017" and other related measures without explaining their contents or the specific impacts they previously had on U.S. entry policies. This creates a gap in understanding for those who are not already familiar with these actions.

Moreover, the document introduces "form DS-5535" related to vetting procedures without any explanation, which could lead to confusion for individuals who are not acquainted with visa processing protocols.

Lastly, the proclamation does not address the specific allocation or projected budgetary impact associated with the resumption of visa processing and the handling of current backlogs. This omission could result in unclear expectations about the resources required for these tasks.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the revocation of these bans is likely to have a restorative impact on public perception, reflecting America's values of inclusivity and openness. It reinstates the image of the United States as a welcoming nation for people of diverse backgrounds and affiliations. This could enhance relationships with countries affected by the bans and improve the nation's standing in the international community.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For individuals or families who were directly affected by the travel restrictions, this proclamation paves the way for potential reunification and the resolution of pending visa applications. This action is likely to be seen as a positive step toward mitigating the harms caused by the previous bans.

However, there might be concerns among stakeholders focused on national security regarding how the changes will maintain safety and security without the previously established measures. These stakeholders might find the lack of detailed security plans somewhat troubling.

Additionally, the lack of clarity on resource allocation and processing backlogs creates uncertainty for those involved in U.S. visa processing operations and might impact their ability to effectively manage the expected increase in visa applications.

In summary, while the proclamation aims to correct what is perceived as a moral and ethical misstep of the previous administration’s executive actions, it leaves several questions unanswered, particularly in terms of implementation and security logistics. These uncertainties must be addressed in future reports and actions to ensure a smooth transition to the new policies.