Breaking: President bans work visas for 60 days in light of COVID-19.
Earlier this week, President Trump announced that he would stop the issuance of new visas and green cards to immigrants to the US. Today, the White House published the declaration which goes into effect tomorrow Thursday April 23rd at 11:59pm EST.
Who does the immigrant ban affect?
According to the details in the proclamation, this affects non-US citizens who are:
- Currently outside of the United States
- Do not have a valid work visa for the US as of April 23rd at 11:59pm EST (the 'effective date')
- Do not have a ticket to arrive within the US
There are exceptions to this, including if you're married to a US citizen or a healthcare worker. Also, if you're a lawful permanent resident this doesn't apply to you, nor if you are under 21 and the son or daughter of a US citizen.
To read all exceptions to the ban, read the declaration from the White House or watch our video.
Who does the immigrant ban NOT affect?
According to the details in the proclamation and the reading of the proclamation, this does not affect:
- Non-immigrant visas of any kind (F-1, J-1, B, etc)
- Non-immigrants work visas (H, TN, etc)
- Anyone who's in the US at the date of the order
- Anyone who already has a valid immigrant visa
- Anyone entering the UYS for healthcare/medical research
- EB-5 and EB2 (NIW only)
- Spouse and minor (under 21) of a US citizen
How long is this ban in effect for?
This ban is effective for 60 days, but can be lengthened with another declaration, to be decided at least 10 days before the ban expiration.
The "rationale" for this ban is protectionist in nature; to protect American jobs, even though all the evidence exists that international workers support and grow the US economy.
However, because we are in a declared "national emergency". the President has the authority to issue bans like this as he sees fit.