Protecting US from Threats (E.O. 14161)

Summary

Strengthens the process for checking foreign individuals to stop those who might be a threat to the country from entering or staying.

What problem does this solve?

The current process for checking foreign individuals may not be strong enough to stop people who want to harm the U.S. or its values. This order requires government agencies to create tougher screening rules and identify countries with poor information, potentially stopping people from those places from entering.

What does this order do?

Re-establishes uniform screening standards

Requires federal agencies to bring back a single, consistent set of rules for vetting and screening all foreign nationals, similar to the standards that were in place on January 19, 2021.

Identifies countries for potential travel suspension

Orders a report within 60 days that lists countries with inadequate information for vetting their citizens, which could lead to a ban on entry for people from those nations.

Requires immediate removal of threats

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to quickly exclude or remove any foreign national identified as a threat, unless it would interfere with a major criminal investigation or harm national security.

Increases checks for refugees

Ensures that refugees and stateless individuals go through extra-stringent identity checks before they can be allowed into the United States.

Evaluates immigrant assimilation programs

Calls for a review of programs designed to help lawful immigrants fit into American society and recommends ways to promote a unified American identity.

Reviews all visa programs for security risks

Mandates an evaluation of all visa programs to make sure they are not being used by hostile countries or groups to harm the security, economy, or other interests of the United States.

Who does this affect?

Visa applicants
Immigrants
Refugees and asylum seekers

What is the real world impact?

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Could lead to broad travel restrictions

Requires identifying countries with poor information sharing, which could be used to justify suspending entry for all nationals from those countries, potentially leading to what critics might call a travel ban.

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Promotes a specific American identity

Directs agencies to evaluate programs that encourage immigrants to adopt a unified American identity and attachment to the country's founding principles, which some may see as promoting cultural assimilation over diversity.

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Strengthens national security

Aims to protect the country by creating a more thorough and uniform system for screening all foreign nationals seeking to enter or who are already in the United States.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for government agencies to complete reports and reviews.

Report on countries with poor screening

Within 60 days of January 20, 2025, a report must be submitted identifying countries with deficient vetting information, which could lead to travel suspensions.

Review of visa and immigration policies

Within 30 days of January 20, 2025, agencies must evaluate and adjust regulations, review visa programs, and recommend actions to protect the nation.