Immigration Proclamation Sets Limited Curbs
President Suspends Temporary Entry of Certain Immigrants Due to COVID-19 Economic Fallout
MSK Client Alert
April 23, 2020
On Wednesday evening, April 22, 2020, President Trump issued his highly anticipated immigration proclamation, temporarily suspending some types of immigration to the United States due to COVID-19 and its resultant damage to the domestic labor market. While the language of the order suggested that future actions may be necessary, the current order is very limited in its scope and application. Very few individuals are now prevented from entering the United States who had not previously been barred from entry. A summary of the order is as follows:
- Beginning on April 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. and for a period of 60 days, some foreign nationals physically present outside the United States may not enter the United States as immigrants (permanent residents) if they do not already possess an immigrant visa or other valid travel document, such as an advance parole. In essence, that is already the law. The proclamation may affect those who acquire immigrant visas within the next two months, but with all embassies and consulates closed to visa issuance for the foreseeable future, this will limit the number of individuals who may be affected. The suspension will be reviewed 50 days before its expiration, and may be extended for additional 60 day periods, at the president’s discretion.