Understanding Trump’s Executive Order
As of April 23, 2019, 11:59 pm, eastern time, President Donald Trump issued a 60-day suspension of the issuance of certain immigration green cards to tighten up the competition for jobs within the United States due to the negative impact that the coronavirus has had on the economy. Here’s what you need to know about this executive order.
Who Does This Impact?
If any of the following situations pertain to you, you may not be issued a green card for 60 days following the signing of the executive order:
- If you are living outside of the United States, you will be prohibited from getting a green card.
- If you are a parent, adult child, or sibling of an American and seeking family-based green cards.
- If you are a green card holder, you are temporarily barred from sponsoring a spouse or child for permanent residency.
- You are seeking a green card to enter the U.S. through other means, such as an employment or EB-1 visa. If you are unsure about your eligibility for a green card, consulting an immigration attorney can get you the answers you need.
Who is Exempt?
You are exempt from the immigration executive order if you meet the following requirements:
- If you are a spouse or a child who is under 21 of an American citizen, you are still able to get a green card.
- If you are a medical professional (physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional) working for COVID-19 relief, you are exempt. You may also have your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age accompany you in the U.S.
- If you are applying for a green card through the EB-5 program and you are making an investment of $900,000 or more that will create jobs in the United States.
- You are an existing visa holder.
- You hold a temporary work visa, which includes H-1B specialty workers, H-2A agriculture workers, and other types of work visas.
- You are a tourist.
When Will the Immigration Suspension Be Lifted?
The suspension is set to be lifted 60 days from the effective date of April 23, 2020. However, within 30 days of the effective date of the executive order, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, will give the proclamation another review and may make further adjustments.
Contact a Phoenix Immigration Lawyer
The executive immigration order can be challenging to understand, especially if you are unfamiliar with immigration law. If you are concerned about how this executive order will affect you, contact Kanu & Associates, P. C. today at (602) 353-7795. We are ready to help answer your questions and ease your immigration fears.