PAGNY Chief Human Resources Officer Reginald D. Odom last month released the following statement on the impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the federal government’s travel ban:
As you may have recently heard, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments this fall on the Executive Order travel ban against nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
The Court also decided to reinstate the travel ban for the six countries, but only insofar as it relates to foreign nationals who lack a bona fide relationship with a U.S. person or entity. Presently this Supreme Court ruling should have no impact on PAGNY or its employees. By definition employees of a U.S. Company and students enrolled at U.S. universities possess a bona fide relationship with a U.S. entity. Conversely, foreign nationals from the six affected countries wishing to visit solely for tourism may encounter significant challenges entering the U.S.
Additionally, PAGNY as a U.S. employer that employs foreign nationals from the affected countries may continue to sponsor their employees for employment-based visa petitions, and employees may continue to apply for work visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. However, all foreign nationals from these six countries should nevertheless exercise caution when travelling to the U.S., as they can expect to face lengthy delays and questioning at the border as part of the administration’s ongoing “extreme vetting” measures.
We will continue to monitor the developments closely and communicate with you regarding any updates.