The Executive Order published today introduces limited restrictions to immigration, applying only to those seeking an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident within the next 60 days.

Spouses of U.S. citizens and children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens are exempted from this restriction and will be able to complete their process abroad. Healthcare workers and others performing research or certain other work related to COVID-19 also are exempted from the restriction. In addition, members of the Armed Forces are exempted as are those who would advance a U.S. law enforcement objective or whose entry would be in the national interest.

Significantly, this order does not apply to individuals with nonimmigrant visas for temporary status in the U.S. or to those already in the U.S. who apply for permanent residence.

The full Executive Order is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/.