“The settlement ensures that all travelers who were barred from the country on the basis of the ban and have not since returned to the United States are informed of their right to reapply for a visa and provided with a list of free legal services organizations that can help them do so,” the statement said.
The first lawsuit filed, Darweesh v. Trump, was filed on January 28, 2017 shortly after the ban went into effect. As part of the settlement, the government will reportedly provide a list of pro bono immigration attorneys who can aid foreigners applying for visas, and will provide notice in three different languages. The DOJ must also coordinate and aid in processing new applications for those wanting to come back to the United States in the next three months.
“It means a lot to me to be in America,” said Hameed Darweesh, who served as the lead plaintiff in the case. “The United States is a great country because of its people. I’m glad that the lawsuit is over. Me and my family are safe; my kids go to school; we can now live a normal life. I suffered back home, but I have my rights now. I’m a human.”
LawNewz is reaching out to the White House to get their reaction and will update accordingly.