Back in March, the Trump administration used the COVID-19 epidemic as an excuse to threaten the existence of legal employment and family immigration to the US. Months later an executive order was signed to limit the entry of certain foreign immigrants and nonimmigrants into the US. President Trump signed an order on June 22, 2020 that will go into effect on June 24, 2020. This executive order is to restrict foreign workers from being employed in the US in response to the surge of unemployment due to the economic shutdown by the Coronavirus.
Which US Visas Are Suspended?
According to the Trump administration the new executive order will focus on the following visas:
H-1B Visa
H1B visas are designed for certain skilled workers in specialty occupations to fill positions not filled by US citizens.
H-2B Visa
H2B Visas are issued for seasonal workers, typically agricultural or vacation spots.
“(a) an H-1B or H-2B visa, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien;”
L-1 Visa
The L1 visa enables a US employer to transfer an executive or manager to an affiliated office in the US.
“(c) an L visa, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien.”
J-1 Visa
J1 Visas apply to research scholars and professors.
“(b) a J visa, to the extent the alien is participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien”
Exceptions to Entering the US on a Work Visa During the Suspension
There are several exceptions that allow some US Work Visa holders to enter the US during the COVID-19 Suspension.
- Permanent Residents of the US may enter
- An immigrant child of a US Citizen
- Any immigrant seeking to enter the US to provide labor or services essential to the US food supply chain
- Any immigrant who would be in the national interest as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.
When Will These US Work Visas Be Suspended and For How Long?
Previously in May 2020 when Trump was suggesting this idea he said it would last for 60 days and apply to those who are seeking permanent residents. The US Work Visa suspension will expire on December 31, 2020, and may be continued as necessary.
There are options to take before waiting until after December 31, 2020. Book a consultation with us today to review your options for US Immigration.
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What Should I Do If I Have a US Work Visa?
Normally we would not report on rumors or on an executive order that has not been official yet but we believe it is important to be prepared for this change. We do advise those who possess any of these US Work Visas to enter the US immediately so that they are not denied at the border once the order goes into effect.
Hire an Immigration Lawyer to Get a US Work Visa
Did you already receive a job offer and want to enter the US? Once this executive order to temporarily suspend work visas goes into effect it may be extremely difficult for you to enter the US. Book a consultation with our US Immigration Professionals as soon as possible to review your case.
VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace’s many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
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