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Here’s what you need to know about the proclamation President Trump recently signed and how it might affect you and your family.

Our world is the midst of a crisis and in response to it, the U.S. is taking drastic measures that aim to protect our economy and healthcare system, both of which are severely suffering. On April 22, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovering following the COVID-19 outbreak. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has impacted our lives in a multitude of ways—people have lost their jobs, loved ones, and/or the financial cushion they depended on.

In an effort to help give the U.S. economy a reboot and recover, President Trump has limited who can enter the U.S. from abroad. According to President Trump’s proclamation, lawful permanent residents who are admitted into the U.S. are “granted “open-market” employment authorization documents, allowing them immediate eligibility to compete for almost any job, in any sector of the economy.” The President says that this puts the Americans who are going to be looking for work at a disadvantage. The President has also expressed that “introducing additional permanent residents when our healthcare resources are limited puts a strain on the finite limits of our healthcare system at a time when we need to prioritize Americans and the existing immigrant population.”

The proclamation is expected to last 60 days, starting from the date in which it took effect (April 23, 2020).

Who is affected by President Trump’s proclamation?

According to the document, the suspension and limitation on entry only apply to the following:

  • Those who are outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation.
  • Those who do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation.
  • Those who do not have an official travel document other than a visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the U.S. and seek entry or admission.

The proclamation goes on to explain in-depth who shall be affected by it. For instance, the document states that “any alien seeking to enter the U.S. on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional or to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19” shall not be affected by the suspension. For questions regarding the recent proclamation that was signed by President Trump, contact Kuck | Baxter Immigration to speak with one of our knowledgeable Atlanta, GA immigration attorneys. You can also read through the document by clicking here.

Although the President believes suspending entry of certain immigrants is going to improve the U.S.’s economic state, it could also have a substantial impact on families already living in the U.S. awaiting the arrival of their loved ones. Therefore, if you have a relative who is trying to enter the U.S. and you worry the suspension could impact them, we encourage you to contact our Atlanta, GA immigration law firm today.

 

Kuck | Baxter Immigration can be reached at:

365 Northridge Road, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30350

Phone: 404-816-8611

Website: www.immigration.net

 

Charles Kuck

Managing Partner