Post Views: 132

President Donald Trump’s executive order

On April 22nd president Trump signed an executive order, temporarily limiting the entry of immigrants into the United States for 60 days, as a result of the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. While the order is only temporary and targets fewer groups of people, it is important to understand what the order entails and who may or may not be affected.

Who does the executive order apply to?

  • The executive order applies to individuals outside of the United States and those whom do not possess a U.S. Visa. Fundamentally, the order mainly affects individuals awaiting visa interviews at foreign consulates.

Who is not affected by the executive order?

  • Green Card applicants who are currently in the United States
  • Spouses and children of US military members
  • Spouses and children of US citizens whom are under 21
  • Green Card holders
  • Medical professionals whom are working on COVID-19 research
  • Special immigrant categories
  • Adoptees in the (IR-4 or IH-4) categories
  • IR-4: Visa for children coming to the U.S. to be adopted
  • IH-4: Visa for children coming to the U.S. from a Hague Convention country to be adopted.

 More information

  • As of March 2020, regular visa services at all U.S. embassies have been suspended. Consulates have continued to provide emergency visa services, as resources have permitted.
  • The Department of State (DOS) is continuing to process visa applications for medical professionals whom are assisting with COVID-19.
  • The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has suspended in-person interviews and biometrics processing until May 3, 2020. The USCIS is continuing to provide contactless services and is limiting in-person assistance for limited, emergency situations only.
  • Mexico and Canada U.S. borders are closed for non-essential travel until May 20, 2020
  • The USCIS is still taking applications and petitions, despite the limitations.

 

For more information, take a look at the executive order here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/