On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order temporarily barring individuals from seeking green cards for the next 60 days. The official order came only days after declaring he would be signing the Order on Twitter.
The Order, according to The Migration Policy Institute, may block up to 56,000 potential green card holders over the course of 60 days. That being said, the order may extend past 60 days, largely dependent on the state of the virus, as well as many other contributing factors. Despite the announcement, immigration to the United States was largely stifled in the weeks prior, thanks in part to USCIS offices closing for all in-person services.
Fortunately, certain people will be exempt from the Order, including spouses and minor children of US citizens, health care professionals, members of the US Armed Forces and their spouses/children, anyone entering the country for law enforcement/national security reasons, those seeking investor visas, and, finally, special immigrant visas for Iraqi and Afghan nationals working for the United States government.
Of the move, President Trump said, “This order will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens. Crucially, we’ll also preserve our health care resources for American patients.”
Unfortunately, there is no telling yet as to how long the move will last, as the Executive Order contains this statement: “Whenever appropriate, but no later than 50 days from the effective date of this proclamation, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor, recommend whether I should continue or modify this proclamation.”
If you are someone who has any additional pressing immigration-related concerns, please do not hesitate to call our knowledgeable, compassionate Wisconsin immigration firm today to learn more about how we can help.
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John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters, which is why If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.