President Trump issued an Executive Proclamation today that suspends entry to the US for some non-immigrants from June 24, 2020 until at least the end of the year. This executive order is more limited than initially expected and does not include anyone with a valid visa or anyone currently in the US. For those currently outside the US and who don’t have a valid visa, the following nonimmigrant visa categories are suspended (quoting from the order):
- an H-1B or H-2B visa, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien;
- 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; and
- an L visa, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien.
As a result of massive pushback (including from our union), the executive order does not include F-1/OPT visas or other visa types not listed above. In addition, it does not appear to affect J-1 categories typically used by Postdocs and ARs, but we are awaiting further information from our attorney about J-1 visas.
There are exceptions for persons who “are involved with the provision of medical care to individuals who have contracted COVID-19 and are currently hospitalized; are involved with the provision of medical research at United States facilities to help the United States combat COVID-19; or are necessary to facilitate the immediate and continued economic recovery of the United States” and others.
Information Session: Tomorrow, 6/23, 10:30am
UAW 5810 and 2865 are hosting an info session for Postdocs, Academic Researchers, and Academic Student Employees regarding the recent Executive Order on non-immigrant visa programs, and the impacts. Our guest speaker is Stacey Gartland from immigration law firm Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, LLP.* Please RSVP here. If you cannot make that time but are interested in future info sessions, you can also indicate that on the form.
*During the info session, we’ll address general questions. We will not be able to address questions about your specific case. If there is a general topic you would like to get more info on, please let us know via the RSVP form. If you have a question about your specific situation, you can schedule a consultation appointment with one of the attorneys.
Fighting back
The White House justifies its decision today in the name of economic recovery from COVID-19, and may be planning more changes to visa programs in the future. Any connection between limiting visa programs and economic recovery is false and driven by xenophobia and racism. We call for a response to the economic downturn that prioritizes all workers, including immigrants. Click here to send a letter to Congress to call on visa programs to be maintained.
If you have any questions, or would like to join the UAW 5810 International Scholars working group, please reach out right away at internationalscholars@uaw5810.org.
Sincerely,
The UAW 5810 International Scholars Working Group