State Dept Hands Travel Ban Powers to Consular Affairs Boss
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Secretary of State is handing over some important travel decision powers to the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs. This means certain foreign visitors’ entry into the U.S. will be reviewed more quickly to protect national interests. These changes start now and help keep travel rules clear and efficient without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Consular Officer Gains Entry Decision Power
The Secretary of State delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs the authority to decide whether travel by a foreign national would serve a United States national interest under Presidential Proclamations PP 10998 (Dec. 16, 2025) and PP 10949 (June 4, 2025) and any subsequent proclamations that continue or supplement them. The delegation is dated January 28, 2026 and supersedes Delegation 588.
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