Here’s What We Know

On April 22, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of any individual seeking to enter the United States as an immigrant who:

• Is outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation;
• Does not have a valid immigrant visa as of April 23, 2020; and
• Does not have a valid official travel document as of April 23, 2020, or issued on any date thereafter.

The proclamation goes into effect at 11:59 pm (ET) on April 23, 2020, for at least 60 days. It can be extended and modified. The following categories are exempt from the proclamation:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
• Individuals, and their spouses and children, seeking to enter the U.S. on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other work essential to combating COVID-19 (as determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS))
• Individuals applying for a visa to enter the U.S. pursuant to the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program
• Spouses and children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens, including prospective adoptees on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa
• Individuals who would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives (as determined by DHS and DOS)
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children
• Afghan and Iraqi nationals who were translators/interpreters or employed by the U.S. government and their spouses or children seeking entry pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa
• Individuals whose entry would be in the national interest (as determined by DHS and DOS)

Non-immigrant Visa Holders and Asylum Seekers Are NOT Prohibited from Coming to the U.S. by the Proclamation

Additional Considerations

• Routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consular posts around the world have been suspended as of March 20, 2020. U.S. embassies and consulates continue to provide urgent and emergency visa services as resources allow. DOS intends to continue to process visa applications for farm workers and medical professionals assisting with COVID-19.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily suspended in-person services through at least May 3, 2020, but continues to accept and process applications and petitions, including applications requesting an extension or change of status.
• The U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are closed for non-essential travel until at least May 20, 2020.
• With some exceptions, the entry of individuals who were present in China, Iran, the Schengen Area, the U.K., and Ireland, during the 14-day period before their attempted entry into the United States has also been suspended.
• The Proclamation requires a review of temporary visa programs within 30 days and recommendations to stimulate the U.S. economy and ensure “the prioritization, hiring and employment” of U.S. workers.

What Is AILA Doing

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has urged the Administration to implement rational, policy-based measures during this national crisis. AILA previously sued USCIS seeking the immediate suspension of immigration benefit deadlines and the maintenance of status for non-immigrants in the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Our Office Is Doing

We are closely monitoring the situation and will update our clients as soon as we know more about the implementation of this Proclamation. In case of an emergency, please contact Brittany Thomas Faith at 423-602-0356.

©2020 American Immigration Lawyers Association

AILA is the national bar association of immigration lawyers comprised of over 15,000 members located in every state in the United States and worldwide.