On Friday morning, hundreds of volunteer lawyers and advocates gathered in major airports across the country to assist travellers affected by a subset of U.S. President Donald Trump’s travel ban, which took effect on June 29.

The new travel restrictions tighten any entry to the United States of citizens from six Muslim-majority countries. Citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the U.S.; but, people from those countries who want new visas will have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with a school or business in the U.S.

According to Corey Shefman, coordinator of the Pearson Airport team of lawyers, there was a lot of confusion the last time the travel ban was ordered.

“No one knew how to implement it,” said Shefman. “Airlines were making decisions about visas, when, really, it’s not up to Air Canada but customs.”

Shefman and his team of 400 volunteer lawyers have been at Toronto Pearson since 4 a.m, working shifts, “ready to respond if something happens.” They were there to provide support to travellers, provide information and make everyone aware of their presence.

“Airports and agents are pleased to see us,” said Shefman. Together, they have created a much more organized response and come up with a plan to deal with any issues that may become apparent.

Ottawa-based lawyer, Ronalee Carey, spent close to three hours at the airport briefing security and airline agents from Air Canada and United. They even left literature on the travel ban near custom forms.

“We really didn’t know what to expect. There was a lot of inconsistent information being released the night before,” said Carey. This was echoed by the team of lawyers in Toronto and Vancouver as well.

Homeland security’s website did provide clarification later on, which specified what constituted as a close family relationship. (Grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles don’t count.)

“What family means is different in different cultures,” said Shefman. “In the cultures where this ban is taking most effect, family is often more expansive than the government’s interpretation.”

Both Shefman and Carey clarified that even under the new restrictions no one travelling with a current visa and/or with a Canadian passport would be affected, regardless of their country of origin.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened. Last time Canadians were affected even though they weren’t meant to be,” said Shefman.

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Being at the airport, equipped with information packages and connected to lawyers in the U.S who are fighting the ban, is a way to be prepared.

“I’d rather get there and have nothing to do then not go and there be someone who is stuck and is having difficulty and needs help,” said Carey. “We’re ready to go back if and when necessary.”

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