Trump Administration Suspends New Working Visas Over Virus Fears
On June 22nd, President Trump signed an executive order to temporarily halt the entry of certain foreign workers. Specifically, the order prevents H-1b, L-1, J-1 and H-2B visa workers from entry. The order also extends an April 22nd order that pauses new H-1b, L-1, and J visa issuance until the end of the year. The Trump administration cites the protection of American jobs and prevention of the virus as reasons to suspend immigration, although many critics believe the virus is used as an excuse to implement long-standing policy to limit immigration.
The trend of slowing immigration to the U.S has not been a surprise as the Trump administration have stopped travel to the U.S from Europe and China due to Covid-19 concerns. This recent immigration suspension preventing certain foreign worker will last until the end of the year. Those who are already present in the U.S on June 24 will not be affected by the travel ban, including those who are waiting a change of status under the current H-1B cap. The order will not affect U.S lawful permanent residents, or spouse/ child of a U.S citizen.
While this executive order has been signed under the reasons of protecting American jobs and lives, many experts say that it is instead a ploy to achieve President Trump’s long standing platform of closing down the borders. Many business leaders in the tech industry have also criticized the order, citing that companies might have to open offices or move abroad to recruit highly qualified foreign candidates. To read the executive order, please click here.
Keeping up to date on immigration impacts due to world events, such as the coronavirus, is important especially if you have plans to travel or reside in the U.S under immigrant or nonimmigrant status. Here at Zhang & Associates, we try to keep you informed and ready. By staying on top of the latest immigration news, we can anticipate and solve issues and problems you might face. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any immigration related issue, our seasoned staff will be happy to help. For a free evaluation on your case or situation, please email us at info@hooyou.com.
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Former U.S. Consular officer, Attorney Sechyi Laiu joined Zhang & Associates, P.C. on June 26, 2017
At Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu specializes on Consular Processing cases and business development. Attorney Laiu also focuses on TN visas, E visas, CBP administrative proceedings (monetary confiscation, deferred inspection), and overseas financial compliance.
Prior to joining Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu worked for the U.S. Department of State as a Chinese and Portuguese speaking diplomat. As a consular-coned officer who served in Vancouver (Canada), Shenyang (P.R. China), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Attorney Laiu processed over 30,000 visa cases and worked in every section of Consular Affairs overseas (Fraud Prevention Unit, Immigrant Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, and American Citizen Services).
He will use his experience and expertise to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients.
Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand immigration cases.
At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, EB-5, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past
twenty-two years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.
Zhang & Associates, P.C.
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(06/23/2020)