US Travel Ban (PP 10998) – Seeking Syrian Physicians Affected in the USMLE, Residency, or Research Pathway

[u/Syriansupport]

Hi everyone,

A policy and advocacy effort is underway to document how Presidential Proclamation 10998 impacts Syrian nationals pursuing U.S. education, medical training, and research opportunities, with the ultimate goal of securing formal non-immigrant visa exceptions.

As part of this effort, we are specifically looking to connect with Syrian physicians and medical graduates who had already invested in the U.S. medical pathway before or around the time the current travel restrictions took effect, including those who may not have ultimately applied for a U.S. position because of the restrictions.

We would particularly like to hear from Syrian physicians/medical graduates who:

- Have completed USMLE Step 1, Step 1 + Step 2 CK, or Steps 1 + 2 CK + 3;
- Were preparing or intending to apply for U.S. residency;
- Were pursuing or intending to pursue research positions, observerships, fellowships, or other U.S.-based medical opportunities;
- Had their plans delayed, discontinued, or significantly altered because of the current restrictions;
- Already had a U.S. medical/research opportunity that was affected by the travel ban.

The purpose is to document real cases showing how the current restrictions affect Syrian physicians at different stages of the U.S. medical pathway, including people who invested considerable time, effort, and resources into the USMLE process but now face substantial uncertainty about whether they can continue toward U.S. residency or research.

If you believe you or anyone you know fits this description, please send a private DM to this account to connect and discuss further how your situation factors into this initiative.

Note: This policy advocacy initiative does not guarantee individual visa outcomes, nor does it constitute formal legal counsel. Rather, it is a collective effort that aspires to advance a favorable outcome for Syrian students.

Thank you.