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Latest Updates Regarding Coronavirus Effects on U.S. Immigration Processing
Some USCIS Offices Reopening on June 4th
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this week that some domestic offices will reopen and resume non-emergency public services on or after June 4th. We have received notice from the USCIS New York Field Office that they will not be reopening on June 4th. They did not provide any further details at this time.
- USCIS will send reschedule notices to applicants and petitioners with previously scheduled appointments and interviews. Appointment notices will contain information on safety precautions that visitors to USCIS facilities must follow.
- Visitors are limited to the applicant, one representative, one family member, and one individual providing disability accommodations (if applicable).
- As services begin to reopen, offices will reduce the number of appointments and interviews to ensure social distancing, allow time for cleaning and reduce waiting room occupancy.
- If you are feeling sick, please do not go to your appointment. Follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule your appointment for when you are healthy. There is no penalty for rescheduling your appointment if you are sick.
Brazil Added to List of Temporarily Banned Countries
President Donald Trump issued a new proclamation this week, prohibiting foreign nationals from entering the United States if they have been physically present in Brazil within the past 14 days, with exceptions. The proclamation takes effect at 11:59 pm EDT on Thursday, May 28, and will remain in effect until terminated by the President.
This latest order follows prior proclamations temporarily barring the admission of foreign nationals who were physically present in the UK, Ireland, Europe, China and Iran. The restrictions remain in effect until terminated by the President.
The exceptions to the temporary ban are the same as the previous proclamations and include:
- U.S. citizens;
- U.S. lawful permanent residents;
- Spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents;
- Parents or legal guardians of an unmarried U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 21;
- Sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided they are both under 21;
- Child, foster child or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa;
- Traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the COVID-19 virus;
- Air or sea crewmember;
- Certain A, C, E-1 (TECRO or TECO employees), G, and NATO nonimmigrants;
- One whose entry would not pose a risk of transmitting the virus as determined by the CDC; or would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives; or would be in the national interest; and
- Members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children.
U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico Land Border Restrictions Further Extended Through June 22
The Trump Administration’s ban on “non-essential” travel across U.S. land borders and ferry travel with Mexico and Canada has been extended for another 30 days, through June 22. The ban started on March 21. This is the second 30-day extension of the ban and it could continue to be extended. More details are available here.
Please contact us at info@klugfirm.com or (212) 495-9245 if you require any U.S. immigration law assistance.
You can access our previous Client Alerts here.
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