On Friday, January 27 President Trump issued an immigration reform effecting Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. How were these countries selected to undergo the 90-day visa suspension? Within the text of the executive order, no specific country is listed. However, the following phrase can be found: “Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern.” “Countries of concern” is a list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. The list for these countries comes from H.R.158 introduced in 2015, signed into law by President Barack Obama in December of 2015. This bill allowed the DHS to change it’s visa waiver program, as seen here. Beginning January 21, 2016, the DHS stated:

Under the Act, travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country). Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Additionally, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen were added to the list, beginning March, 2016.

The Trump Administration did not create the list for countries of particular concern, this list was created by the Obama Administration.