The COVID-19 pandemic has caused drastic change across the world, including the U.S. immigration process. Immigrants across the world have been affected by the spread of COVID-19 and many aren’t sure how to progress with their immigration case during these uncertain times. Our Miami immigration attorneys explain how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the U.S. immigration process.
If you need guidance with your immigration case during the current health crisis, our team of attorneys at Revilla Law Firm, P.A. are still available to assist you. Contact us today at (305) 858-2323 to schedule a virtual consultation.
The Trump Administration Implements U.S. Immigration Changes During COVID-19
The current health pandemic has affected thousands of immigrants applying for a U.S. visa. It has also affected thousands of people going through removal proceedings. The Trump Administration has constantly been changing the U.S. immigration system as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump recently signed an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the U.S. Many changes like this one have been made to the immigration system and they continue to affect many people in and out of the United States.
Immigration Changes Made Due to COVID-19
Within the last few months, there have been many changes in the immigration system that have affected many people waiting to obtain their visa. For example, many immigration hearings have been postponed and many deportation flights have been paused. Many countries have also been removed from migrants’ arrest and refugee admissions have been suspended.
Below are some of the major changes that have been made to the immigration process during the Coronavirus outbreak:
- Extended U.S. Travel Restrictions: The administration has ordered authorities to rejected migrants encountered at Canadian and Mexican boarders.
- Temporarily Amending Visa Required for Foreign Workers: This change is meant to help agricultural employers. It allows employers to employ workers in the U.S. who have certain visa status to help U.S. agricultural employers who depend on foreign workers.
- Imposed Visa Sanctions: The State Department can now impose visa sanctions on countries that pose a risk related to COVID-19. If the State Department believes that they a person poses a potential health risk for Americans, they can be denied.Guatemala is one of the countries that has raised health concerns.
- ICE Has Been Releasing Detainees: ICE is reviewing cases of people detained who might be vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.
- Routine Visa Services Suspended: The State Department has temporarily suspended routine visa services at U.S. embassies and consulates. However, services to U.S. citizens are still available.
- Immigration Courts Postpone Hearings: The Justice Department has been closing immigration courts across the country. Many hearings have been postponed until later further notice.
- Refugee Admissions Paused: Refugee admissions have been paused because travel agencies announced that they were going to suspend trips to reduce the exposure of the virus.
- ICE Temporarily Ends Social Visitation at Detention Facilities: ICE announced that they weren't going to allow social visitations at detention facilities to follow the guidelines and protocols from CDC.
Call Our Miami Immigration Attorneys Today!
Although there have been many changes in the U.S. immigration system due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people still can advance their immigration cases to stay ahead once courts reopen. If you’re unsure what you should do about your immigration case, you should contact our experienced Miami immigration attorneys. The Miami immigration attorneys at Revilla Law Firm, P.A., are uniquely qualified to provide our immigration clients with exceptional legal representation in all areas of immigration law, including Deportation Defense, Family-Based Residency, Employment-Based immigration, Naturalization cases, and more.
Contact our Miami immigration lawyers today at (305) 858-2323 to schedule a virtual consultation!