On April 22, 2020, the President published “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak.” This proclamation goes into effect at 11:59pm on April 23, 2020. It followed a Tweet by the President and comments to the press regarding his desire to suspend immigration, as well as his three-year history of restricting immigration in a variety of ways. The Proclamation is available by clicking here or going to this website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/.
The proclamation suspends issuance of immigrant visas (with some exceptions) for 60 days (or until June 23, 2020), with the possibility of extensions.
Who is affected by this Proclamation?
The Proclamation impacts the following categories of people who were outside the U.S. at 11:59pm on April 23, 2020 and are applying for permanent residence through a U.S. Consulate:
Parents of U.S. Citizens;
Spouses and minor children of permanent residents;
Adult children of U.S. Citizens and permanent residents;
Siblings of U.S. Citizens;
Immigrant workers applying for permanent residence through their employer.
Who is NOT affected by this Proclamation?
Anyone who is here in the U.S. at 11:59pm on April 23, 2020;
Those who are already permanent residents;
Spouses and minor children (under age 21) of U.S. Citizens;
Immigrant workers who applied for immigrant visas to work in the healthcare field or to perform research regarding COVID-19;
Those coming to the U.S. with “nonimmigrant” visas such as tourist, student or work visas;
Those who were already issued an immigrant visa prior to 11:59pm on April 23, 2020.
Since March 20, 2020, U.S. Consulates have suspended visa issuance and consular interviews due to COVID-19 restrictions. It is unknown when they will reopen and at what capacity. Thus, at this moment, this Proclamation has no impact at all. It will only have an impact when the Consulates reopen their visa operations.
If you have questions about whether you or your family members might be impacted by this Proclamation, please call our office to schedule a consultation.