In one of his final days in office, President Donald Trump has removed the travel restrictions applicable to nationals of the UK, Ireland, Brazil and the Schengen Area, which were implemented as part of the actions to combat the spread of COVID-19, between March and May of 2020. These actions were passed under:
- Presidential Proclomation 9993 of March 11, 2020 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus);
- Presidential Proclamation 9996 of March 14, 2020 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus), and
- Proclamation 10041 of May 24, 2020 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus).
The above proclamations covering said nationals, are terminated effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on January 26, 2021. However, last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order, effective January 26, 2021, requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19, for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States.
As part of the White House release, countries including The People’s Republic of China and The Islamic Republic of Iran are still unable to enter the US.
With President Elect Biden assuming office from Wednesday 20th January, it remains to be seen whether the easing of these restrictions will be reversed. In a previous Twitter post, Jean Psaki, President Biden’s incoming Press Secretary stated:
“With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel. On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19”.
With Tuesday 19th January 2021 being President Trump’s last full day in office, it would not be a surprise to see further changes to US Immigration policies, especially in light of new rules issued covering H1-B visas at the end of last week.
At Davies Legal Immigration, we represent clients in connection with all types of US immigration. We provide a comprehensive service, including clear and concise advice from the outset, a pragmatic approach and efficient working practices. We understand the importance of our cases to clients and adopt a well-reasoned, diligent approach, in order to maximize your prospects of success. Call now to speak to a licensed US immigration attorney and obtain a free, no obligation quote
