Carnival 2017 is weeks away. All your travel plans, costume purchase, and fete schedule should already be in place.  Despite the anticipation and excitement, we are aware that many of you traveling to and from the United States may have some concerns subsequent to President Trump's recent executive actions on immigration. 

In summary, for a safe Carnival season and travels:
  • Plan your travels and itinerary ahead;
  • The recent presidential executive actions on international travel ban for new arrivals to the United States ONLY impact nationals and citizens, specifically from the Muslim majority nations of Syria, Iran, Somalia, Iraq, Sudan, Libya and Yemen for 90 days. Irrespective of religion, the executive action impacts all individuals from these countries. Unless you are a dual citizen of these countries, this restriction should not concern you at this time. 
  • Carry your immigration documents with you at all times;
  • Please note that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) or other sovereign agencies retain the discretion to conduct any security screenings or questioning for your entry to the United States or any other specific country, consistent with their immigration laws and judicial orders.
  • Make photocopies of all your travel documents (passport, green card, visa, driver’s license) in case of any emergency. Leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry a separate copy with you in case of loss or theft.  Be truthful in all your communications with immigration officials.
  • For any lawful U.S. permanent residents (“LPRs”), please ensure that you are abiding to all pertinent regulations in maintaining your permanent residency status and domicile in the United States.  On your return to the United States, if you are asked to surrender and abandon your LPR status in signing Form I-407, please note that this is voluntary and should not be coerced. If there are any concerns, you have the right to contact legal counsel. 
  • If you have been a LPR for more than five (5) years domicile in the United States (or three (3) years when married to a U.S. citizen), we encourage you to consider applying for your U.S. naturalization at the earliest opportunity (Form N-400: https://www.uscis.gov/n–400). 
  • Share your personal emergency contact numbers, emergency contacts for your mas band, and your travel itinerary locations with your close family members and friends;
  • Secure extra dosages of any personal medications; 
  • Carry contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you (e.g. U.S. Embassy in Trinidad & Tobago, (868) 622-6371 or ptspas@state.gov). The U.S. Department of State provides help for emergencies to you or your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444; and
  • Sign up for State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ to receive any travel or security updates or alerts.
Despite any troubles out there in the world, please have an enjoyable Carnival partying to the full extreme – because we jammin’ still!  See you on the road!


Marlon A. Hill is a business and entertainment attorney with the law firm of Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel in Miami, Florida and a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association. Email him at mhill@hamiltonmillerlaw.com or follow him on Twitter @MarlonAHill or Instagram @MarlonHill.