It is anticipated that the Trump Administration will issue another Presidential Proclamation before the end of June to expand restrictions on foreign nationals seeking entry to the US on certain temporary work visas. Visa categories that may be impacted include H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and J-1. The proclamation could be in effect for as long as 90 to 180 days and will include exceptions (such as COVID-19 health care workers and food supply related exemptions). These restrictions are anticipated as an expansion of the previous Presidential Proclamation issued on April 22, 2020 suspending the entry of individuals seeking admission as immigrants. That Proclamation threatened to expand the restrictions to nonimmigrant visa categories. The Trump Administration may implement further restrictions through regulations impacting H-1B, STEM OPT, and H-4 Employment Authorization, among other possible changes.
The details of these restrictions are unclear and subject to change until the Proclamation is issued. Given the potential scope of the anticipated changes, foreign nationals who are currently abroad and able to safely return to the US, may want to consider returning as early as possible. Any foreign nationals who are currently in the US with anticipated international travel plans, may want to consider delaying their travel until more information is released regarding the Proclamation.
