Last night, President Trump tweeted that he is planning to sign an executive order temporarily suspending immigration to the US, suggesting that the measure is needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect American jobs. The details of the proposed order have not been communicated but media reports suggest that it would block the issuance of new green cards and work visas for roughly 120 days with the exception of visas for workers in essential fields, including health care workers and farmworkers.
Immigration has already been significantly restricted amid the pandemic. In March 2020, the administration limited travel from China, Iran and Europe. The U.S. State Department suspended routine visa processing at embassies and consulates. The U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico have been closed for nonessential travel. It is unclear how the planned executive order would further restrict these measures that have practically brought immigration to a halt.
We will keep you updated when further details become available. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact Pars Equality Center’s Immigration Services for assistance.