Just hours after the latest version of President Trump's travel ban took effect, Muslims in Central Florida met with immigration attorneys to talk about their rights to travel.

  • Citizens of 6 countries are temporarily restricted in coming to U.S.
  • Have to already have visas, prove close relationship with family, school or business
  • Muslims spent Friday learning what the new ban meant for them

Under the temporary rules, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the United States. 

But people from those countries who want new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the U.S.

It's unclear how significantly the new rules will affect travel. In most of the countries singled out, few people have the means for leisure travel. Those that do already face intensive screenings before being issued visas.

For Longwood resident Ibtihal Ibrahim-Mcelroy, who was born in Sudan, the travel ban is disconcerting.

"To know that someone can say, no you aren't allowed to see your family. That hurts," Ibrahim-Mcelroy said.

On Friday, Ibrahim-Mcelroy, along with hundreds of others, met for prayers at the American Muslim Community Center in Longwood. Following afternoon prayers, immigration attorneys offered to meet with individuals and talk about the travel ban. 

"It's really important to clarify or provide some guidance when people aren't really sure of what's happening about what this decision actually means," immigration attorney Nayef Mubarak said Friday.

Ibrahim-Mcelroy has called the U.S. her home since she was four, but her uncles, aunts and cousins all still live in Sudan.

That's why she met with immigration attorneys. She found out her immediate family can visit relatives in Sudan and come back, but her family there will not be able to come visit her in the U.S.

"So right now, individuals with visas are prohibited from entering the United States for 90 days. Unless they meet the exemption," Mubarak said.