ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Certain Functions and Authority Under Section 5(a) of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts Act of 2008

President Obama delegated to the Secretary of State the authority to waive visa bans on Burmese officials under section 5(a) of the 2008 Tom Lantos Act and to make required congressional certifications. This is a narrow procedural delegation of existing statutory authority.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 57479

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Delegate to Secretary of State functions and authority under section 5(a)(2) of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts Act of 2008
  • Authorize waiver of visa ban under section 5(a)(1) of the Act
  • Authorize specified certification to Congress
  • Publish this memorandum in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of waiver and certification authority to Secretary of State takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • Potential visa waiver decisions for Burmese officials

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Delegation shifts politically sensitive Burma/Myanmar visa policy from White House to State Department
  • Timing in 2012 coincides with U.S. opening to Myanmar's reformist government, but text does not specify policy intent
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Certain Functions and Authority Under Section 5(a) of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts Act of 2008 · Executive Orders