Anticipated Presidential Proclamation May Further Suspend Entry of Nonimmigrants, With Exceptions

A Presidential Proclamation is expected soon that may extend the suspension of entry of many nonimmigrants. It is unclear which nonimmigrants will be included, but speculation is focusing on some H-1B, H-2B, J-1, and L-1 visa holders. As far as is known, the proclamation would only affect nonimmigrants outside the United States, not those already in the United States. Reportedly, exceptions may include medical workers and those necessary for securing the U.S. food supply chain.

A Presidential Proclamation that took effect April 23, 2020, suspended the entry of immigrants outside the United States for 60 days, with some exceptions, and noted that it could be modified or extended in the future. At that time, excluded from the ban were lawful permanent residents; those seeking to enter the United States as physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, to perform medical or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of, the COVID-19 pandemic; those applying for visas to enter the United States as EB-5 immigrant investors; spouses and children of U.S. citizens; members of the U.S. armed forces; and some others.

Related Links:

• April 2020 Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak
• CNN, “Acting Homeland Security Chief Suggests Additional Immigration Measures Could Be Coming,”