President Trump issues immigration proclamation in response to COVID-19

After much speculation and discussion, on April 22, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump issued his Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak (the Proclamation). The Proclamation is focused on preventing the entry of individuals who are located outside of the U.S. and are applying to enter the U.S. as permanent residents.

The Proclamation is effective on April 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and is valid initially for 60 days. It does not apply to individuals who are spouses or children (under 21) of U.S. citizens or current U.S. permanent residents.

There are other exceptions listed, including exceptions for health care workers and foreign investors. The Proclamation does not apply to individuals currently in the U.S. in H-1B status or another nonimmigrant classification.

While the Proclamation is limited for the time being, President Trump has indicated that it could be extended and additional steps could be taken in the future.