Trump Signs Proclamation Suspending Some Immigration to U.S.
On April 22nd, 2020, President Trump issued a new executive order aimed at halting immigration to the United States. The stated purpose of this order is to avoid a "potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment if labor supply outpaces labor demand."
Regardless of the reason behind it, the order does not ban all immigration, and affects a very small part of overall immigration in the United States.
This article will specifically say who will be affected by the new immigration ban, and how long this ban will last. Please note that there may be significant lawsuits filed in the meantime, so it is not a guarantee that this ban will stay in effect for its intended duration.
WHO DOES THE BAN APPLY TO?
This ban will primarily apply only to family members of lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens who are living outside of the United States, except for the spouses and children of U.S. citizens, or the spouses or children of green card holders who are in the U.S. Armed Forces. This does not affect anyone who has already been issued an immigrant visa, only for individuals who have not yet been issued an immigrant visa.
WHO IS NOT AFFECTED?
Most individuals will not be affected. The executive order specifically lists that this ban does not apply to the following people:
Green card holders,
Individuals seeking entry with visas for physicians, nurses, or other health care professionals,
EB-5 investor visa holders,
Spouses of U.S. citizens,
U.S. citizen children or prospective adoptees under 21 years of age,
Any individual who "would further important law enforcement objectives,"
Any member of the U.S. armed forces, or any spouse or children of members of the U.S. armed forces,
Any individuals coming in under a special immigrant visa,
Any individuals whose admission is in the national interest of the U.S.
HOW LONG WILL THE BAN LAST?
60 days.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
This means that if you are a lawful permanent resident, and not a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and want to bring over your spouse, or children from outside of the United States, you will not be able to get a visa for them within these 60 days. It also means that U.S. citizens, you will not be able to get a visa for your parents, adult sons or daughters, or siblings within the next 60 days.
Overall, these restrictions apply only to select number of people, and only affect those who are located outside of the U.S. Individuals located within the U.S. are still free to apply to become lawful permanent residents without any restrictions.
If you need any more information, feel free to contact us at info@westlakelaw.net or 425-312-3871.
For more information on this proclamation you may read the full text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/
DISCLOSURE: The contents of this article are not meant to be relied upon as legal advice and are merely for educational purposes. If you need legal assistance for yourself or a loved one contact us and schedule a consultation.
