Brownwinick Law issued the following announcement on Apr. 23.
Summary
The highly anticipated Presidential Proclamation which suspends entry of certain immigrants during the economic recovery period of COVID-19 has been signed and will be effective at 11:59 pm today, April 23, 2020. In short, the suspension affects a limited group of foreign nationals – those who are outside the United States and without a valid visa or travel document. While the proclamation has a limited immediate impact on non-immigrant employment-based visas, additional measures may be forthcoming.
Details
This suspension and limitation on entry shall only apply to foreign nationals who:
- are outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation;
- do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation; and
- do not have an official travel document other than a visa (i.e., advance parole) that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation or any date thereafter that permits them to travel to the United States to seek entry.
- any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
- any foreign national seeking to enter on a non-immigrant visa to work as a physician, nurse, or healthcare professional or otherwise aid in the United States’ recovery from COVID-19, as well as their spouses and unmarried children under 21;
- applicants for EB-5 immigrant investor visas;
- spouses of U.S. citizens;
- Children under 21 of U.S Citizens or prospective adoptees under Ir-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
- Foreign nationals whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives;
- Members of the United States Armed Forces and any spouses and children of those individuals;
- Foreign nationals seeking entry pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa in the SI or SQ classification; and
- Foreign nationals whose entry further national interests.
Impact
The proclamation does not have an immediate impact on H-1B, L-1, or other non-immigrant, employment-based visas, including extensions or renewals of such visas; however, it is important to note that the Department of State has ceased interviews and issuance of visas at consulates abroad since mid-March. This, coupled with the travel restrictions put in place for numerous countries, may ultimately impact non-immigrant visas from abroad. The opening left within the proclamation for additional restrictions in the coming months may result in additional restrictions on employment-based visas.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Brownwinick Law
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