Savitz Law Offices Alert: Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Nonimmigrants for Remainder of 2020

President Trump just issued a proclamation: “Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Individuals Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak.”

It is important to note that the proclamation does not include anyone who is in the U.S. applying for any nonimmigrant or immigrant status.  USCIS continues to accept and process petitions and applications for nonimmigrants and immigrants, including requests for an extension, change, or adjustment of status.  It also does not bar the entry of anyone who has a nonimmigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation.

This proclamation has two parts with two different effective dates, but both parts of the proclamation will be in effect for the remainder of 2020 and may be continued “as necessary”:

Part 1 continues Proclamation 10014 barring certain immigrants as described in the previous alert below and is effective immediately.

Part 2 is effective at 12:01 am (EDT) on June 24, 2020.  It suspends and limits the entry of any individual seeking entry pursuant to any of the following nonimmigrant visas:

1. an H-1B or H-2B visa, and any individual accompanying or following to join such individual;
2. a J visa, to the extent the individual is participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program, and any individual accompanying or following to join such individual; and
3. an L visa, and any individual accompanying or following to join such individual.

The proclamation shall apply only to any individual who:

1. is outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation;
2. does not have a nonimmigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation; and
3. does not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission.

The proclamation includes several exemptions to the above, which may be found in the full proclamation at the following link:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/

Please note that all COVID-19 Immigration Law Updates can be found on our Website at https://www.immigrationoptions.com/coronavirus-immigration-changes.  Please contact our office if you have any questions.  Thank you.

6 Beacon Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617.723.7111    Fax: 617.723.7171
E-Mail: BSavitz@ImmigrationOptions.com