As everyone is aware, late on June 22, the President issued a new proclamation suspending the entry for certain foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. on H-1B, H-2B, J-1, and L-1 visas (and applicable dependents such as H-4 and L-2). While we do not believe that this proclamation will have the intended effect of freeing up jobs for U.S. workers, we do believe that the effect will be limited to those in specific situations.
The Executive Proclamation applies only to those outside the U.S. on the effective date (12:01 am on June 24, 2020). Any foreign national currently in the U.S. will not be affected by this proclamation, either for current application or future extensions or visas at the U.S. consulate. We expect the main group that will be impacted is H-1B CAP cases filed as Consular cases. They will not be able to enter the U.S. until next year regardless of approval and visa period. H-1B CAP cases filed as a Change of Status in the US will not be affected.
Even if a person is outside the U.S, the Executive Proclamation applies only if the person does not already have a valid visa on the effective date or a valid travel document. Those with a visa stamping currently in their passport may continue to use it to enter the U.S. as normal. However, we caution to be prepared if traveling in the U.S. as there will be additional review by the officer to determine whether a person is exempt from the Proclamation.
The J-1 restriction is limited to only interns, trainees, teachers, au pairs and camp counselors; it does not restrict entry for researchers, physicians or any other J-1 category.
As a result of the is order, anyone who is affected by the Executive Proclamation will be unable to obtain a visa unless they meet one of the exceptions which includes:
(1) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
(2) any person who is the spouse or child, as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Ac;
(3) any person seeking to enter the United States to provide temporary labor or services essential to the United States food supply chain; and
(4) any person whose entry would be in the national interest as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.
It is worth reemphasizing that visas not listed, such as E-1, E-2, E-3, O-1, P, TN (Canadian and Mexican), are not included and entry on these visas can continue as normal. Furthermore, the filing and processing of U.S. permanent resident applications (Application to Adjust Status) have not been impacted by this Proclamation. USCIS and DOL may continue to process such applications.
If you have questions about a specific scenario not covered above, please contact your HNM attorney. Stay safe.