DHS and CDC have announced a new travel restriction at the Southern and Northern borders due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. According to the announcement, DHS will do what it can (including repatriation flights) to prevent the introduction of “affected individuals” into “congregate settings” at land ports of entries (POEs) or Border Patrol Stations
Travel (General)
Travel Restrictions Update: United Kingdom and Ireland
Several Presidential Proclamations suspending travel to the U.S. from abroad due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been issued since January 31, 2020, each building upon the last. Now, restrictions on those traveling from the United Kingdom and Ireland have been added, according to the most recent proclamation, which outlines the short…
COVID-19 and Employer Responsibilities to Workers on Visas
As employers respond to workplace issues pertaining to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), it is important not to forget about foreign nationals working pursuant to temporary non-immigrant visas. Employers must avoid discriminatory policies and remember that there are additional rules and regulations that apply to employees on visas.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Working
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New York Sues DHS over Prohibition on New Yorkers’ Inclusion in Trusted Traveler Programs
New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in federal court (State of New York v. Wolf et al, 1:20-cv-01127) over its new policy prohibiting New Yorkers from registering or re-registering for various Trusted Traveler Programs.
New York residents were singled out by the Trump…
Update on Coronavirus, Impact on Consular Services
By Forrest G. Read IV on
The recent news of an outbreak of a new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, Province, China raises issues for employers and employees about the appropriate workplace responses. Please see our legal update and impact for employers and employees here.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced it is allowing all…
Trump Administration Seeks to Crack Down on “Birth Tourism”
The Trump Administration is turning its attention to birth tourism again. President Trump was reportedly considering trying to end the practice with an executive order or by way of a constitutional challenge. But accomplishing the goal through regulation has been on the Department of State’s (DOS) agenda. DOS published a final rule on January…
Poland to Become Latest Addition to Visa Waiver Program
By Michael H. Neifach on
Poland will become the 39th member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on November 11, 2019.
Polish citizens and nationals will be able to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa stamp — but they first must register online with…
Ready for REAL ID?
By Minnie Fu on
October 1, 2020, is the REAL ID deadline, and most people will not be able to board even a domestic air flight in the U.S. without either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a passport.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The Transportation Safety Administration…
Rescue Efforts, Immigration Implications in Dorian Aftermath
By Michael H. Neifach on
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is directly involved in Hurricane Dorian rescue efforts. So far the agency’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) has airlifted over 80 people, including citizens of the Bahamas and citizens of the U.S., from the ravaged Abaco Island and Grand Bahama to Nassau for medical treatment and shelter. CBP is also…
Denials, Delays for Foreign Students, Scholars
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cancelled an incoming Harvard freshman’s visa and deported him back to Lebanon eight hours after arriving at Boston’s Logan International Airport to start his college career. CBP detained the incoming student along with several other international students who were ultimately admitted to the U.S. According to reports, CBP deemed Ismail…