FOIA Request Overview

In January 2018, Muslim Advocates submitted a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information on the application of the waivers provision in President Trump’s Muslim Ban 3.0.

Muslim Advocates, along with the Center for Constitutional Rights, filed this request following the implementation of Muslim Ban 3.0 in December 2017. Under the terms of that policy, nationals from impacted countries are generally banned from entering the United States unless they can obtain a case-by-case waiver. To date, the federal government has produced very little information about how individuals can apply for waivers and how those applications will be evaluated by consular officials. The request was submitted to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Muslim Ban 3.0, which is currently in place, bars individuals from seven countries, most of which are Muslim-majority, from entering the country unless they are able to secure a waiver as provided for by Proclamation. The request seeks information on how the waiver provisions are being implemented.

Muslim Advocates has filed litigation seeking to compel the government to comply with this FOIA request.

Matter Details

Date filed: January 23, 2018
Status: In litigation.