US bans entry of immigrants for next 60 days; nurses, physicians exempted

New Delhi: United States President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of immigrants into the country citing “risk to the US labor market during the economic recovery.”

The order applies to those immigrants who are residing outside of the US or those who do not have an immigrant visa. The order also prohibits immigrants who “do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document)” that is valid as of April 23.

‘Healthcare professionals exempted’

However, this order does not apply to healthcare professionals, the president said. Physicians, nurses, medical researchers or other health care professionals who work for combating novel coronavirus are exempted from this order. Lawful permanent residents are also exempted as well as immigrants who are pursuing the B-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

After the U.S declared a national emergency following the COVID-19 pandemic on March 1, this is the first time that the country has clarified its stand on immigrants.

“Without intervention, the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment if labor supply outpaces labor demand,” said Trump

It was also specified that this action was taken to “protect already disadvantaged and unemployed Americans from the threat of competition for scarce jobs from new lawful permanent residents,” in the context of unemployment and job loss due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, lawful permanent residents, once admitted, will be granted “open-market” employment authorization documents. This will make them eligible for any job, irrespective of sector. The order is to prioritize the healthcare of Americans and the existing immigrant population.