President Trump's Recent Proclamation Concerning Immigration

1. What does President Trump’s recent Executive Order do?

On April 22, 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order preventing certain groups of immigrants from obtaining Lawful Permanent Residence Status (a Green Card) for a period of 60 days.

2. What is the purpose of the Executive Order?

Given the high levels of unemployment in the United States as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, President Trump signed the Executive Order in order to protect the United States job market during the recovery that will inevitably need to occur following the pandemic.

3. How is the United States job market protected by this Executive Order?

President Trump is trying to limit competition for the available jobs by giving priority to United States Citizens and Green Card holder.

4. Who is affected by the order?

The order applies to immigrants who are currently outside the United States and who have not received a valid immigrant visa as of April 23, 2020.

5. Which immigrant visa categories are affected?

The Executive Order applies to immigrants seeking green cards for work; the parents, siblings, and adult children of United States citizens; and the spouses and children of Green Card holders.

6. Are there any exceptions?

Yes. The Executive Order does not apply to the spouses and children under the age of 21 of United States citizens; healthcare workers, especially those fighting the coronavirus; United States military service members; special immigrant visa holders; immigrants assisting law enforcement; immigrants considered to be “in the national interest”; and wealthy immigrant investors.

7. Does the order apply to immigrants seeking adjustment of status within the United States?

No. There is no restriction to any immigrant currently in the United States from seeking adjustment of status.

8. Are current Green Card holders affected by the Executive Order?

No. The Executive Order does not apply to current Green Card holders. Current Green Card holders that travel abroad will be allowed to return to the United States.

9. Are nonimmigrant visa categories affected?

No. Nonimmigrant visas (for those applicants that seek temporary travel to the United States), including tourists, students, and temporary workers are not affected by the Executive Order.

10. What is going to happen next?

Within 30 days of the Executive Order, President Trump, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of State, will determine whether to extend the ban or impose additional measures “appropriate to stimulate the United States economy and ensure the prioritization, hiring, and employment of United States workers.”

SOURCE: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak