New presidential administrations bring new changes, with some impacts felt more than others, and the incoming Trump administration is no exception. The first Trump administration brought many surprises and challenges to the U.S. immigration landscape; and while immigration attorneys are more prepared for the second administration, many unknowns still remain.

Immigration attorneys expect that there will almost certainly be a travel ban implemented shortly after the inauguration, however, the size and scope remain to be seen. Colloquially known as the “Muslim Ban,” which Trump enacted via executive order on Jan. 27, 2017, suspended the entry of foreign nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen into the United States. While the travel restrictions included exceptions for those individuals holding valid visas, permanent residents, foreign nationals who were granted asylum, and other limited circumstances, the travel restrictions created much uncertainty and frightened many foreign nationals. In light of this uncertainty, foreign nationals should strongly consider being present in the United States on or before the inauguration takes place on Jan. 20, 2025.