The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive delays and disruptions in our legal system. Immigration has taken a particularly hard hit, which is why submitting your application and moving forward with your process is now more important than ever.
Many people are considering waiting, believing all of this may blow over and clear a path for their immigration journey.
However, no one can be sure of when the situation will improve. The Trump administration has been regularly adding roadblocks to the immigration process even before the pandemic, and both lawyers and immigrant advocacy groups have warned foreign nationals that the process may only grow more difficult over time. The best way you can respond to these challenges is to begin your immigration journey as soon as possible and stay on top of deadlines.
What About the 60-Day Ban?
At the end of April, the President unexpectedly signed an executive order banning immigration for 60 days. This ban prevents certain applicants from obtaining family-based or employment-based green cards until June 21, 2020.
However, the order will only affect your application if you were outside of the U.S. without travel authorization when it took effect (i.e. April 23rd at 11:59 EDT).
Additionally, you are likely exempt from the ban if:
- You are a refugee/asylum seeker
- You are eligible for a Special Immigrant visa because you are a U.S. government employee or an Afghan/Iraqi translator (or their spouse/child)
- You are a doctor, nurse, medical researcher, or any other professional deemed essential in fighting COVID-19 (or their spouse/child)
- You are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (or their spouse/child)
- You are deemed by the Secretaries of DHS and State as essential for national interests or law enforcement objectives
- You are applying for the immigrant investor visa (EB-5)
- You are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen
Even if you are not exempt from the ban, putting your application together requires a significant amount of time. Getting started now can help you fully prepare for the day the ban lifts.
We Are Here to Support You
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to go through this process alone. With counsel, support, and representation from the Simon Law Group, PLLC, you will have an infinitely better chance of accomplishing your immigration goals. We urge you to continue with your case, as moving forward will help you avoid additional delays.
Let us help you pursue your future here in the United States. Call (713) 839-0639 or contact us online to get started. We are providing telephonic and skype consultations to keep our clients, team, and community safe during COVID-19.
