What is the scope of Trump’s latest #ExecutiveOrder on #immigration ? Who are exempt? What should applicants do?
As we continue to #shelterinplace – we aim to share relevant and accurate information and tools to help the public manage during this time of global pandemic.
Atty. Stephanie Sy of Sy & Smith Law breaks down the specifics of the latest EO –
Section 1: Suspension and Limitation on Entry
This section states that aliens seeking to enter the US as immigrants is suspended. This Executive Order applies to aliens:
- Who are outside the U.S. on the effective date of the proclamation;
- Who do not possess a valid immigrant visa on the effective date; and,
- Who do not have other official travel documents (such as an Advance Parole) besides a visa.
Section 2. Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry
The following list are exempt from Section 1:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Aliens seeking to enter the U.S. on an immigrant visa as a: physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional, to perform medical research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19, or to perform work essential to combating recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, as determined by Secretary of State or Secretary of Homeland Security;
- Aliens applying for the EB-5 category;
- Spouses, children under 21 or prospective adoptees of U.S. citizens;
- Any alien who further important U.S. law enforcement objectives, as determined by Secretary of State or Homeland Security;
- Members of the US Armed Forces or their spouses and children; and
- Special Immigrants (including Iraqi and Afghani translators and religious workers-EB-4).