Trump's Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Immigration is Narrowly Tailored

Much has been made of an executive order issued on Wednesday that limits immigration to the US - President Trump and some news media have made the Order into a bigger deal than it is, saying that it suspends all legal US immigration.

In reality, the Order is narrowly tailored. It suspends the issuance of immigrant visas at consulates abroad, for 60 days. Period.

The Order applies only to intending immigrants (versus nonimmigrants) who are currently abroad. It includes exceptions for the spouses and children under 21 of US citizens, immigrants coming to work in health care professions and other jobs that help address COVID-19, EB-5 foreign investors, military members and their spouses and children, anyone whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest, and several other categories. It does not affect those requesting issuance of a nonimmigrant visa, such as an H-1b or B1/B2 visa. 

The Order does not affect anyone currently here in the US seeking adjustment of status (a "green card") or a change or extension of status (for example from an F-1 to an H-1b visa). 

USCIS and the Department of State will continue to process applications as usual, with the caveat that no new immigrant visas will be issued for the next 60 days. If you are seeking assistance with a green card or employment-based visa, please contact us today. We are here for you!