President Trump’s Green Card Ban: Explained
On April 22, President Trump signed an executive order that would suspend immigration to the United States for a period of 60 days. While the proclamation aims to limit immigration to the U.S. in the name of repairing the country’s job market in light of the coronavirus outbreak, it does have some exceptions. Keep reading to learn how the order may affect your case.
What is the Purpose of the Executive Order?
President Trump’s proclamation affects potentially thousands of immigrants attempting to enter the United States over the next 60 days; however, it does not impact immigrants already inside the country. The proclamation, which became effective on April 23, 2020, suspends the entry to the United States of any person seeking to immigrate who, on the proclamation’s effective date,1) is outside the United States, 2) lacks a valid immigrant visa, and 3) lacks a valid official travel document, e.g., a transportation letter, boarding foil, or advance parole document, permitting travel to the United States to seek entry or admission. The proclamation also suspends entry of any person in possession of such a travel document that was issued after April 23, 2020.
Who is Prevented from Entering the United States Under the Order?
Effective April 23, 2020 at 11:59 PM (EST), President Trump’s executive order suspends the entry of immigrants who:
- Are outside of the U.S. on the effective date;
- Do not have a valid immigrant visa on the effective date; and
- Do not have a valid official travel document on the effective date, or one issued on any date thereafter.
Who is Allowed to Enter the United States Under the Order?
The executive order does not apply to the following individuals:
- Lawful permanent residents (LPR).
- Those seeking temporary visas, such as students and guest workers.
- Spouses of U.S. citizens, children of U.S. citizens under the age of 21, and prospective adoptees.
- EB-5 immigrant investors.
- Certain health care professionals and their qualifying family members.
- Members of the military
,and their spouses and children. - Individuals whose entry would be in the national interest or would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives as determined by the DHS and the Secretary of State.
- Asylum seekers and those applying for refugee status, withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
- Persons eligible for Special Immigrant Visas as an Afghan or Iraqi translator or interpreter or U.S. Government Employee with SI or SQ classification, and their spouses or children
Immigration Assistance in Cupertino CA
President Trump has noted that the order may be extended or revised. If you need assistance with the status of your immigration case, our team at Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman can help answer any questions you may have. Our highly respected immigration attorney has gained a 10.0 "Superb" rating on Avvo and has secured victories for clients in make-or-break cases.