US Suspends Immigration to Protect Jobs: What Happens to Those Whose US Visa is Expiring?

The United States of America has officially suspended immigration into the country. The move to suspend US Visa, according to the US President Donald Trump, has been taken to protect American jobs. “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,” tweeted President Trump.

The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has hit the economy of the country, and immigrants have also reported about job losses and offers being withdrawn. The fact that is most concerning is those who hold H1B visas and are unemployed are given only 60 days to either find a new job or return to their home countries.

After, President Trump’s tweet, those who currently hold a valid US Visa are also asking several questions. “Hi can you please confirm if immigrant visa holders are eligible to enter the US. Visa will expire in July and need to enter before expiry. Will the president’s executive order to stop immigrants affect us as we have not activated our visa yet?” asks Ronish on Twitter.

“He has just signed the order. We are waiting for more details. All of us who are in the US as of now, but US Visa is on the brink of expiry face a very uncertain future. We are awaiting more details on this development,” said an F1 Visa holder on the condition of anonymity.

That said, those on F1, H1-B, and other such visas need to note that they are non-immigrants, seeking employment and education in the country as long as their visas are valid. There is no clarity as of now if the current decision by Donald Trump impacts them in any way.

Also, USCIS last week made it clear that “Nonimmigrants generally do not accrue unlawful presence while the timely-filed, non-frivolous EOS/COS application is pending.” Also, USCIS acknowledged the fact that even though, under normal circumstances, nonimmigrants would have to depart the United States before their authorized period of admission expires, the country recognizes that nonimmigrants may under the present situation unexpectedly remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19.

USCIS has also said that they would consider delays in the filing of extension of stay or change of status requests on a case by case basis provided the petitioner gives them with credible evidence to support his/her request.

As more details on this new order are awaited, NASSCOM has asked for more clarity on this issue. "NASSCOM seeks details on the Executive Order of the President of the United States suspending immigration temporarily," tweeted NASSCOM.