Late on Monday night president Donald Trump announced via Twitter that he will sign an executive order “temporarily” banning immigration into the United States because of the coronavirus pandemic.
We will update this story when details of the policy are announced.
UPDATE
Donald Trump has announced a 60-day ban on immigrants seeking permanent status in US
At his daily task force briefing today, the US president announced an initial 60-day ban on immigrants seeking to live and work in America permanently and left open the possibility that the ban may be extended.
The president framed the executive order, which he expects to sign on Wednesday, as an effort to protect American workers from foreign competition and as a way to help conserve medical resources for US citizens. He said it would apply only to those seeking green cards and not temporary workers or those entering the US on a temporary basis, but he did not explain how current applications would be affected.
The moratorium will initially be in effect for 60 days after which the need for an extension would be reviewed “based on economic conditions at the time”.
The practical effect of the order has been questioned by some as much of the country’s immigration system has already been upended by the pandemic and the order will exclude many categories of temporary visas such as temporary work visas, and work visas in the agricultural sector and healthcare industry. International travel has largely been stopped, borders closed and most state department visa services have been suspended. The Trump administration has also used the crisis to end asylum at the country’s borders.
