Issued 2017-03-06 by Donald J. Trump
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
Executive Order 13780, issued in March 2017, temporarily suspended entry into the United States for certain foreign nationals from seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The order stated that this 90-day pause was intended to allow time to review and improve screening and vetting procedures for people seeking visas and entry to the United States, including through the refugee program. The order identified these countries based on prior congressional determinations and designations related to terrorism concerns.
The suspension affected foreign nationals from these seven countries who were seeking to enter the United States during the 90-day period. The order cited authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the President to suspend entry of aliens when their entry would be detrimental to U.S. interests. This order replaced an earlier executive order from January 2017 that had addressed similar issues.
The constitutional basis for this type of action is subject to legal debate, as the order involves the President's authority over immigration and national security balanced against congressional powers and potential constitutional protections. The order prompted litigation in federal courts.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 13780 ("Executive Order 13780-Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States") involves withholding, pausing, or freezing federal funds. The President's stated reasoning: "additional entries would be in the national interest." This directly implicates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which was passed specifically to prevent presidents from refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated. Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive "power of the purse."
When Congress passes an appropriations bill and the President signs it into law, the executive branch is legally obligated to spend those funds for their designated purpose. Courts have consistently held that policy disagreements do not give the President authority to unilaterally withhold congressionally appropriated money. This type of action frequently prompts litigation and has been struck down by federal courts.
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2017 Executive Order 13780—Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States March 6, 2017 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq ., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the Nation from terrorist activities by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1 . Policy and Purpose . (a) It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks, including those committed by foreign nationals. The screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa-issuance process and the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) play a crucial role in detecting foreign nationals who may commit, aid, or support acts of terrorism and in preventing those individuals from entering the United States. It is therefore the policy of the United States to improve the screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa-issuance process and the USRAP. (b) On January 27, 2017, to implement this policy, I issued Executive Order 13769 (Protecting the Nation f