Trump’s Executive Order on Limiting Immigration – What You Need to Know
Effective April 23, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order limiting immigration, which is scheduled to expire in 60 days. The order relates specifically to the ENTRY into the U.S., not the filing of applications and petitions. There are important exceptions to the order. Please be aware that consulates and embassies were already closed due to the COVID-19 emergency, so this new order does not change the situation very much now but may affect it more when the consulates re-open.
- It only applies to applicants for immigrant visas (or lawful permanent resident status or green card applicants) who are still OUTSIDE of the United States on this date and applying at U.S. consulates or embassies abroad. Also, there are several exceptions to the ban, including for spouses and children (under 21) of U.S. citizens.
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The order does NOT apply to those applicants already inside the United States, or to applicants for non-immigrant visas, whether in the U.S. or anywhere in the world, including fiancé visas, H-1B, L, E, O and other employment-related visas, student visas, U/T/S visas, and visitor visas. Also, all petitions and applications filed in the U.S. can continue as normal.
However, the president did order to examine all temporary work visas within 30 days to protect American jobs so there may be more restrictions coming down the road. Therefore, if you have a visa or case to file, we urge you to contact our office and file any extension or new visa application now before additional restrictions are issued. If you have any questions about your case or need further information about the exceptions to the order, please give us a call at 770-913-0800. We are still working full-time during the COVID-19 emergency and can file and manage your case 100% remotely.
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