More information about the 60 day immigration freeze
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the country, President Donald Trump issued an executive order restricting many immigrants from entering the United States for 60 days.
The President announced the immigration freeze with hopes the policy can contain the spread of the virus from other countries with high infection rates.
However, the order contains many exceptions, and the President may extend the order if he deems it necessary. President Trump has tried to attack immigration reform throughout his presidency, and critics saw the move to ban immigrants with the pandemic as an excuse.
Who Is Affected By The 60-Day Immigration Freeze?
President Trumps’ executive order bans employment-based immigration visas from being issued, a move he says will protect Americans’ job prospects during a time of “economic uncertainty.”
Anyone who planned to apply for a visa within a family-based category, such as parents and siblings, will no longer be allowed to enter the country.
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, which issues about 50,000 green cards annually, will suspend issuing green cards. The measure prevents legal permanent residents from bringing their spouses and children into the country during this freeze.
“President Trump’s efforts will ensure we continue to put American workers first as we begin to reopen our economy,” the White House said in a statement following the publication of Trump’s order. “The American people strongly support common-sense efforts to restrict immigration as we confront the coronavirus.”
Who Is Exempt For The 60-Day Immigration Freeze?
The order doesn’t apply to immigrants already living and working in the United States and are on the path to legal permanent residence.
Medical professionals, farmworkers, and anyone else who enters the country on a temporary “nonimmigrant” visa remain unaffected by the freeze. The immigration ban does not affect spouses and underage children of U.S. citizens.
Can I Apply For An Immigration Visa During The 60-Day Freeze?
If you or a family member planned to apply for an immigration visa and now feel upended by President Trump’s executive order, contact Fay Grafton & Nunez’s legal team right away.
Our firm believes our nation flourishes when it is a real melting pot of cultures and races.
Immigration law changes almost daily, so having an experienced attorney on your side can help increase your chances of submitting a visa application that the government will approve.
Set up a consultation with one of our seasoned immigration lawyers to better understand your case and the current immigration laws landscape.
