Companies and their foreign employees have been nervously awaiting the release of President Trump’s most recent proclamation in response to his April 20th tweet announcing his intent to suspend immigration to the U.S. Employers have had to speculate how this potential policy could affect their hiring, retention, and ongoing employment practices under the COVID-19 pandemic. In the evening of April 22, the White House published the text of the order (available here) clarifying its scope, duration, and numerous exemptions.
The order itself is narrower than the President’s tweet implied. The order has no effect on nonimmigrant visa processing (including work visas like H-1Bs, H-2As, TNs, Es, Os, Ls, etc.) nor does it have any effect on the lawful permanent resident process for those individuals intending to adjust their status and receive their green cards while remaining physically inside the U.S. It does, however, bar the issuance of immigrant visas (permanent resident visas) obtained through consular processing abroad for the next 60 days (subject to extension).
This ban has a number of exemptions, including but not limited to those who are already permanent residents, certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, and individuals who have already received their immigrant visa prior to the issuance of the proclamation. In the employment context specifically, the exemptions also include individuals seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional working in manner related to COVID-19 (and their dependents); individuals applying for immigrant visas through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program; and individuals applying for immigrant visas who have received an approved National Interest Waiver.
Practically speaking for employers, this order affects employees who intended to receive their approved immigrant visas abroad through consular processing over the next 60 days (or longer if extended) in the EB-1 categories, EB-2 categories (excepting those with an approved National Interest Waiver), and EB-3 categories. It however does not affect PERM processing, I-140 processing, or I-485 processing in these categories. Employees physically present in the U.S. with lawful immigration status and valid work authorization may be able to remain in the U.S. to wait out the Executive Order or may qualify for adjustment of status to receive their green card without departing the U.S.
If you are concerned about the effects of the proclamation on an employment-based case for you or your employees or if you are curious about what options exist to process the case within the U.S. to avoid the effects of this order, please feel free to reach out to our firm today. We are open and available for video conference and teleconference appointments.
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I cannot recommend Kevin Raica highly enough. He helped me successfully obtain my U.S. green card, and the entire process was smooth and stress-free because of his expertise and dedication. From start to finish, Kevin was professional, organized, and extremely knowledgeable about immigration law. He made sure every document was prepared correctly and took the time to explain each step clearly. Anytime I had questions, he responded promptly and made…
We contacted Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, based on a recommendation, when my wife was detained by ICE. Attorney Khiabett Osuna handled our case, and it turned out to be the right choice. From the very beginning, she proved herself to be a caring and competent professional, clearly explaining the process. You can tell she's truly invested in each case and achieving results for her clients. We've also heard of…
I would like to express my gratitude to Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and especially to attorney Khiabett Osuna, who handled my case. I contacted them based on a recommendation and have never regretted it. From the very beginning, she demonstrated high professionalism. I could tell she was genuinely committed to the outcome and was doing everything possible to protect her client.
I highly recommend Brittni Rivera. We are very grateful to her and the entire team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Your dedication, responsiveness, and compassion made an enormous difference during an incredibly difficult time. Serving as the liaison between Brittni Rivera and our friend in ICE detention, I saw firsthand how tirelessly she worked guiding us through the process, answering every question, and never losing sight of the humanity at…
Andrea C. Ochoa is truly the best of the best. ❤️ Our family went through one of the most difficult and frightening experiences of our lives when Feruz was detained by ICE. We felt lost, scared, and unsure of what would happen next. From the very beginning, Andrea brought us not only her professionalism and deep legal knowledge, but also something even more important — hope. She guided us through…
In the final stages of our employment based green card, Maya Flores was very helpful. She guided us through the details, made a mock up interview and then went with us to the actual appointment. We were able to see her expertise because she made some clarifications to the officer. Very good service, 5 well deserved stars.
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