COVID-19: No indication on extension of immigrant and nonimmigrant work visa bans

31 Dec 20

UNITED STATES

The Trump administration has yet to indicate whether it will extend immigrant and nonimmigrant entry restrictions that were put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

  • On April 22, President Trump issued a proclamation that temporarily suspended the entry of most immigrant visa applicants.
  • On June 22, Trump issued a second proclamation, extending the immigrant visa ban until Dec. 31 and suspending the entry of new nonimmigrant visa holders under the H-1B, L-1, H-2B and J-1 visa categories and derivative family members. The nonimmigrant visa restrictions were also left in place until Dec. 31.
  • The administration had issued no statement on a possible extension of the bans as of 5 p.m. EST today.

BAL Analysis: While the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry restrictions are set to expire today, it remains possible that the Trump administration may extend or reimpose the restrictions. 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.

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