On Apr. 20, 2020, President Trump tweeted, “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”
Trump signed the executive order on Apr. 22, 2020, officially suspending immigration for people who are outside the US, do not have an immigrant visa, and do not have official travel documents other than visas. The order is expected to prevent thousands from immigrating.
The executive order is in effect for 60 days, but may be renewed or modified before it expires.
Trump stated, “This order will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens.”
Exceptions to the order include: healthcare workers; US military members, their spouses, and children; the spouses and minor children of US citizens; people entering for national security or law enforcement reasons; investor visas; and Iraqi and Afghan nationals who have worked for the federal government.