Presidential proclamations block immigrant visas (green cards) and temporary visas for many outside the U.S.

There have been several proclamations issued by President Trump concerning immigration since late January. Most of the proclamations center around measures being taken to combat the negative effects of COVID-19 on American citizens, but one specifically addresses new limitations being put on Chinese citizens’ ability to receive visas.

President Trump’s first proclamation regarding suspension of entry for certain countries due to COVID-19 was made on January 31, 2020 when he suspended the entry of all immigrants or nonimmigrants who had been in China, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, fourteen days prior to entering the United States. On March 11, President Trump made another proclamation suspending the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants who were in the Schengen Area 14 days prior to entering the United States. There are some exceptions to these proclamations, such as the allowance for healthcare workers to come to the United States to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigrants and nonimmigrants that have been in other countries such as Brazil, Iran, the United Kingdom, and Ireland 14 days prior to arriving in the United States are also subject to suspension of entry.

Yet another proclamation was made on April 22 suspending the entry of all immigrants into the United States for 60 days starting from April 23, 2020. This proclamation was issued with the intent to help the U.S. make a speedy economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. There are several exceptions to this proclamation such as immigrants who were already in the United States as of April 23, immigrants that have a visa in effect on April 23, those wishing to obtain an immigrant visa to assist with combating the spread of COVID-19, and those applying for a visa through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Though the proclamation is set to expire on June 23, President Trump may choose to extend the proclamation.

The latest proclamation on immigration that was issued by President Trump is from May 29 and suspends the entry of some students and researchers from China. Specifically, graduate level and higher students and researchers from China who either are currently or have in the past received funding from, been employed by, studied at, or conducted research for “an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy” will not be allowed to enter the United States using an F or J visa.

This article is provided as an educational service and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific circumstances.  For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call me at 214-393-4917, complete my contact form