Trump Extends Limitations on Certain Work Visas Through the Year

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump signed an executive order to temporarily halt certain forms of immigration to the United States. This was done in an effort to protect American jobs as unemployment numbers began to rise due to the pandemic. Speaking on the issue, Trump stated, “This order will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens.” While this was initially put in place for 60 days, President Trump extended it until the end of 2020 and also included some guest worker visas.

While extending the immigration halt until the end of the year, President Trump included other types of visas as well. This includes:

• L-1 visas for intracompany transfers
• H-1B visas for workers in specialty occupations
• H-4 visas for spouses
• H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural workers
• Most J-1 visas for exchange visitors

These new restrictions went into effect on June 24, 2020.

It is important to be aware that the executive order does not cover all types of immigration and there are some parties that are exempt from it. Exempt parties include lawful permanent residents, spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens, health care professionals, individuals working in the food supply chain, any member of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses/children, anyone entering for law enforcement or national security reasons, and those “whose entry would be in the national interest.”

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.