ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8158ProclamationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Proclamation 8158

Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Responsible for Policies and Actions That Threaten Lebanon's Sovereignty and Democracy

President Bush issued Proclamation 8158 suspending entry into the United States of certain Lebanese and Syrian officials, their associates, and family members deemed responsible for undermining Lebanon's sovereignty, democratic institutions, or rule of law, including through terrorism or Syrian control. The Secretary of State has sole discretion to identify covered persons and establish implementation procedures, with the proclamation effective immediately and remaining in force until the Secretary determines it is no longer necessary.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 36587

Impact dates

  1. Proclamation effective immediately

Key directives

  • Suspend entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants for covered aliens described in Section 1(a)-(e)
  • Secretary of State to identify covered persons in sole discretion
  • Secretary of State to establish implementation procedures in sole discretion
  • Secretary of State to determine when proclamation is no longer necessary and should be terminated
  • Termination determination to be published in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation effective immediately upon signing (June 28, 2007)
  • Entry suspension applies to covered aliens
  • Secretary of State authorized to begin identifying persons and establishing procedures

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State may establish implementation procedures
  • Identification of covered persons under Secretary's discretion

Long term

  • Proclamation remains in effect indefinitely until Secretary of State determines termination is warranted
  • Potential termination in whole or in part published in Federal Register

Risks & tensions

  • Broad discretionary authority vested solely in Secretary of State with minimal procedural constraints, raising potential due process concerns for affected individuals
  • Vague standard for 'significant financial benefit' and 'materially support' in section 1(d) creates uncertainty for business actors
  • Family-based coverage (spouses and dependent children) extends sanctions beyond individual wrongdoing
  • Potential tension with international agreements acknowledged in section 4 but not resolved
  • Indefinite duration without congressional oversight or periodic review requirement
Proclamation 8158: Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Responsible for Policies and Actions That Threaten Lebanon's Sovereignty and Democracy · Executive Orders