Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas, and we are discussing them specifically in the context of those who hold a passport from either Laos or Myanmar.

I thought of making this video after reading a recent article from whitehouse.gov, or maybe I should say a recent press release, whitehouse.gov under the headline: Fact Sheet:  President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States. I've done a video contemporaneously with this one where I get into the fact that yeah, they have expanded the list of countries that are being restricted and heavily scrutinized. But that being said, I thought it was important to point out that specific to Myanmar and Lao passport holders and family-based visas, these new rules may or may not impact you. It's going to depend on the underlying facts in the case. Quoting directly: "Strengthening National Security through Common Sense Restrictions Based on Data: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information-sharing to protect the nation from National Security and public safety threats.

The proclamation continues the full restrictions and entry limitations of Nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries established under Proclamation 10949” - And as you can see, Burma - it's noted as Burma, is included on there. Now, Burma is how still officially, diplomatically, the US refers to what we call oftentimes Myanmar. So that's one of the two countries mentioned here. Then further: Quote:

• “It imposes full restrictions and entry limitations on two countries that were previously subject to partial restrictions: Laos and Sierra Leone.”

Now I dealt with cases involving Laos and yes, under Trump Administration 1, we saw a fair few issues associated with that but we were still able to process cases through. It remains to be seen under this new rule change what exactly that's going mean but I am optimistic, because quoting further: 

• “The proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing Visa holders, certain Visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. 
  • The proclamation narrows broad family-based immigrant Visa carve-outs that carry demonstrated fraud risks, while preserving case-by-case waivers."

So again, and it looks like some family-based cases that pertain to a Lao or a Myanmar national may be able to continue processing, again based on the underlying facts in the given case.

Very difficult to say as at the time of this video, exactly what all of this is going to mean in terms of practical ramifications on Visa processing. Quite frankly, we're just going to have to go through the processing and ascertain what this means on the ground in real time, in practice, and we will continue to do that here at the firm and we will continue to keep people updated on this channel as the situation evolves.