Trump extends visa bans through March 31

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.

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