Amending Executive Order 13597
Signed: June 21, 2017
Published: June 26, 2017
Document Number: 2017-13458
📋Summary
This executive order makes a narrow change to an earlier order (Executive Order 13597) about visa and foreign visitor processing goals by removing one specific requirement from that earlier order. It mainly affects the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, which are responsible for carrying out visa and travel-related processing policies. It directs the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to update the existing implementation plan for the visa-processing goals to reflect the deletion and make any needed adjustments. It also states that the order does not change agencies’ legal authorities, must be carried out within existing law and available funding, and does not create enforceable rights for individuals.
💼Business Impact
This order tweaks the State Department/DHS visa-processing goals framework by deleting one specific processing-goals provision from EO 13597 and requiring an updated implementation plan, which can translate into changed (and potentially less predictable) visa interview/issuance timelines. Businesses most affected are those reliant on international travel and foreign talent—tech and professional services (H‑1B/L‑1/E visas), universities and research, tourism/hospitality, airlines, and companies hosting foreign clients for sales, training, or conferences. Compliance burden doesn’t materially change, but operationally you should plan for longer or more variable consular processing: build earlier filing/travel lead times, tighten internal travel/assignment planning, and ensure immigration counsel and HR track consular wait times and the revised agency implementation guidance as it’s released. Immediate actions: audit upcoming international hires and business travel for the next 3–6 months, add schedule buffers and contingency staffing, and proactively communicate expectations to candidates, employees, and customers who may be impacted by visa appointment availability.
Full Text
Executive Order 13802 of June 21, 2017
Amending Executive Order 13597
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to support the essential functions of the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1 . Amendment to Executive Order 13597. Executive Order 13597 of January 19, 2012 (Establishing Visa and Foreign Visitor Processing Goals and the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness), is amended by deleting subsection (b)(ii) of section 2 of that order.
Sec. 2 . Updated Implementation Plan. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, in consultation with the heads of such executive departments and agencies as appropriate, shall revise the implementation plan described in section 2(b) of Executive Order 13597, as necessary and appropriate, consistent with the amendment described in section 1 of this order.
Sec. 3 . General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. ( printed page 28748)
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
June 21, 2017.