After the previous proclamation on April 22, 2020 suspending immigration, President Donald Trump announced new plans today to suspend the entry of certain non-immigrant visa holders in response to the COVID-19 crisis as an effort to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on the U.S. economy and labor force. The order to suspend and limit the entry of non-immigrant visa holders will go into effect on June 24, 12:01 AM EDT, and extend until December 31, 2020. It may be further extended as necessary.
The limitation restricts specifically aliens currently outside the US who does not have a valid nonimmigrant visa already or an official travel document. The specific visas restricted are the following: H-1B, H-2B, J, and L visas. Any alien accompanying holders of these visas are also restricted from entering.
The suspension does not apply to a number of aliens, including current lawful permanent residents, aliens providing temporary labor or services essential to the US food supply chain, aliens whose entry would be in the national interest, or spouses and children of US citizens.
Because the suspension applies to only aliens currently outside the US, anyone applying for work visas who are already in the US, e.g. Change of Status, H/L extension, or H-1B transfer, will not be affected by this order. Work visa holders who have valid visas to enter the US will not be affected by this order.
Additionally, the Administration has announced future reforms to the H-1B immigration program, including prioritizing workers who are offered the highest wage and closing unspecified loopholes. The details of the reforms have not been released yet.
We will continue to monitor all changes to visa and immigration policy during this pandemic crisis in order to send you the most up-to-date information. At DeHeng, we are proud to continue providing reliable and accessible legal services to you. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us at immigration@dehengsv.com.