The reaction of U.S. citizens to the COVID-19 pandemic is characteristic of a culture built on vague notions of individuality and "freedom." In cities across the country, anti-lockdown protestors have taken to the streets to demand state governors ease lockdown rules implemented to reduce the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is again extending the response time flexibility, initially announced on March 30, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This flexibility applies to applicants and petitioners responding to any of the following, issued from March 1 through September 11,...
Answer The Executive Order only prohibits the issuance of visas at consulates. It does not prevent the adjudication of I-130 petitions, and these should progress normally, as far as we know. (01.Jul.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on...
Answer If one was outside of the U.S. as of June 24th and does not presently have a valid H1B visa or travel document (e.g., advance parole), then the executive order likely prevents one in this situation from being issued an H1B visa. (01.Jul.2020)Sheela Murthy and...
Answer The executive order does not prevent a person from requesting admission in B-2 status. One in this situation would have to be able to convince the CBP officer at the U.S. port of entry that they are truly a "visitor," with intention of staying beyond...
Last night, President Trump amended his June 22, 2020 executive order in a small, but significant manner that clarifies and potentially increases the classes of nonimmigrants who are subject to the order. The original version of the executive order stated that, if a foreign national...
Late on the evening of June 22, 2020, the Trump Administration issued a Presidential Proclamation that impacts individuals applying for certain nonimmigrant visas (NIVs). Specifically, the travel ban applies to certain NIVs like the H1B, H2B, L-1, certain J holders, and their dependents.There is fear...
Most months, Charles Oppenheim, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, provides visa bulletin explanations and predictions. Following the release of the July 2020 Visa Bulletin, Mr. Oppenheim provided some information regarding the use of immigrant visa numbers...
Late on the evening of June 22, 2020, the Trump Administration issued a Presidential Proclamation that impacts individuals applying for certain nonimmigrant visas (NIVs). Specifically, the travel ban applies to certain NIVs like the H1B, H2B, L-1, certain J holders, and their dependents.There is fear...
On June 22, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation restricting the admission of foreign nationals in various nonimmigrant categories, including H1B, L-1 and H2B. This executive order has since been criticized by Silicon Valley executives, U.S. professors, and a slew of other individuals and organizations...
