President Donald Trump announced during the press briefing today that he will sign an executive order to restrict immigrants seeking permanent residency from entering the U.S., but will not restrict temporary visa applicants, such as H-1B workers or other nonimmigrant categories, at this time.

Key points:

  • Trump stated that the restrictions will apply only to individuals seeking permanent residency (i.e., green cards) and will not apply to those entering the U.S. on a temporary basis.
  • The restrictions will be in effect for 60 days, after which the government will evaluate whether they should be extended or modified.
  • The administration will examine whether additional immigration-related measures should be put into place to protect U.S. workers.

Background: Late Monday night, Trump tweeted that he would be signing an executive order “temporarily suspending immigration to the United States,” because of COVID-19 and to protect American workers.

BAL Analysis: President Trump indicated he will sign the order tomorrow. The text is not yet available, so details about the scope of the restrictions, and any exemptions, are not yet known. BAL is continuing to monitor developments and will provide analysis when the official order is published.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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