We would like to inform you that on April 22nd, 2020, President Trump signed the Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak.
What Does This Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Mean And How Long Will It Last?
This Executive Order temporarily suspends the entry of any person under an immigrant visa for 60 days, who is outside of the United States, that does not have a valid immigrant visa after the effective date of the Executive Order, or those who do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as an advance parole document) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission.
This temporary suspension of entry to the United States only applies to people who are outside of the country seeking to enter and be admitted into the country as immigrant visa holders. The Executive Order excludes a wide variety of immigrant visa holders, including those who are applying for an immigrant visa to enter the United States under the EB-5 Program and those seeking entry under a Special Immigrant Visa.
Will Green Card Holders Be Affected?
In addition, the temporary suspension will not apply to current Green Card holders, spouses, and children under 21 or adoptees of US Citizens. The executive order also excludes any alien who’s entry is of national interest, including those aliens along with their spouse and children under 21 on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professionals; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
As stated before, this executive order shall expire after 60 days of its effective date of April 23rd, 2020, but the President can extend it under the recommendation of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State.
Are Immigrants Already Admitted To The US Impacted?
The executive order does not affect any immigrant already admitted into the United States, and nothing has been mentioned as of this moment as to extending the temporary hold to those Petitioners under the undergoing Adjustment of Status inside the United States. Most importantly, USCIS will likely continue to accept and review immigrant petitions. Please note that this will not affect timelines for new Petitioners since they will be many years away from approval. Please also note that almost all consular posts have already ceased operations anyway.
We Will Stay Open To Answer Your Questions
Please be assured that our office will continue to monitor any developments to this new proclamation, and we will update you accordingly.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Wishing you health and safety,
The Rahbaran Law Team