The 60-Day Pause on Immigration: Explained
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 (someone applying for a green card) 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 another healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other work essential to combatting 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
- Applicants for temporary visas such as students and tourists.
In other words, this proclamation will not affect many people. Unless you are outside of the United States and applying for a green card it does not affect you. Applying for a tourist visa or student visa is still allowed. Furthermore, if you are the spouse of a US citizen you can be approved.
Immigration Assistance in Dallas TX
If you are an immigrant that has questions about how President Trump’s executive order will affect you or your family, contact our experienced team at Christensen Immigration Attorneys for assistance. Our lawyers assist clients throughout Dallas with complex matters, including citizenship, family immigration, deportation defense, and much more. Our firm focuses exclusively on immigration and our skilled attorneys are here to answer your questions and ease your concerns.