Executive Order Affecting Some Immigration

In the midst of all that is going on now many of you are worried about what this new executive means for you.  Here is all we know as of today:

Yesterday, President Trump announced he had signed an executive order that temporarily suspends the issuance of new green cards.

This order is NOT an outright ban on legal immigration to the US.

Who does the executive order include?

People OUTSIDE of the United States applying for a green card (permanent residency).

Who does this NOT apply to?

The order DOES NOT apply to spouses and minor children of US citizens; health care professionals; any member of the US Armed Forces and their spouses and children; and anyone entering for law enforcement or national security reasons.  It also doesn’t apply to investor visas.

How long will the executive order be in effect?

The order will be in effect for 60 days, but the text leaves the possibility of an extension.

Again, please note that this applies to those OUTSIDE the United States at the time of the order seeking permanent residence to the United States, and it will last for 60 days, at which point it will be reevaluated.

This order DOES NOT apply to those INSIDE the United States seeking to change their immigration status.

The current order is likely to affect a relatively small group of people, given the exemptions included.  

I hope this message has helped ease your fears about this new order.  If you still have some concerns, please feel free to schedule a 15-minute call to discuss your particular situation.  Go to our website www.arevalolaw.com and schedule a call at a specific time that is convenient for you, and I will call you.   

Please stay safe.    

Cynthia J Arevalo-Bialy, Esq