President Donald Trump has extended immigrant and nonimmigrant work visa bans through March 31, 2021. The bans had been set to expire Dec. 31, 2020.
Key Points:
- Under the extension, the government will continue to bar entry to most immigrant visa applicants who are outside the United States.
- The government will also continue to bar entry to most new nonimmigrant visa holders under the H-1B, L-1, H-2B, and J-1 visa categories and derivative family members.
- U.S. lawful permanent residents, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, current visa holders, individuals whose entry would be in the national interest and a limited number of others are exempt from the restrictions.
Background: On April 22, President Trump issued the initial proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of most immigrant visa applicants because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 22, Trump issued a second proclamation, extending the immigrant visa ban and imposing the nonimmigrant visa ban as well.
BAL Analysis: BAL continues to monitor COVID-19 entry and travel restrictions and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2020 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.