President Trump signed a new Presidential Proclamation today barring the entry of certain non-citizens seeking to obtain immigrant visas. The Proclamation is effective as of midnight EDT April 23, 2020.
The Proclamation only applies to individuals applying for immigrant visas that are outside the U.S. as of midnight April 23, 2020 EDT. The entry of such individuals into the U.S. is suspended until June 22, 2020 as immigrants. However, the President can extend the suspension.
There are exceptions to this new temporary rule. The Proclamation will NOT apply to the following:
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
- Immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. as immigrant physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals and their spouse and children under the age of 21;
- Immigrants applying for immigrant visas under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- Spouses of U.S. citizens and their children under the age 21
- Certain individuals helping law enforcement or members of the armed forces
- Special Immigrants, such as Religious Workers
U.S. Consular Officers at overseas Consulates and Embassies will determine if an individual qualifies for one of the exceptions.
The limitation on entry into the U.S. does NOT currently apply to nonimmigrant visa holders (i.e. E, L, H, O, F, etc.) However, Section 6 states within 30 calendar days, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State are to conduct a review of all nonimmigrant visa programs and make recommendations for changes to these programs with the purpose of stimulating the U.S. economy and ensuring U.S. workers are given priority in terms of hiring and employment.