On April 22, 2020, the Trump administration issued Proclamation 10014, “Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”
Proclamation 10014 suspended and limited entry into the United States for all immigrants, excepting those who already had valid immigrant visas and official travel documents, immigrants seeking to aid the United States with research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19, and other special cases. Unfortunately, Proclamation 10014 included family members of lawful permanent residents and those who were in the process of receiving visas.
The Proclamation was extended by sections of other Trump-era Proclamations (including Proclamations 10052 and 10131), but the Biden administration has determined none of these sanctions advance the interests of the United States.
In contrast, the Biden administration argues Proclamation 10014 and its extensions actively harm the United States by preventing United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from being with their family members during this difficult time. Additionally, Proclamation 10014 harms industries in the United States that rely on talent from around the world, as well as the individuals who were selected for Diversity Visas. Although these individuals were selected for immigrant visas and applied for them via the Fiscal Year 2020 Diversity Visa Lottery, the delay may stop some people who went through all the appropriate channels from receiving their visas and realizing their dreams in the United States.
Revoking Proclamation 10014
To remedy this injustice, President Biden has revoked the most detrimental sections of Proclamation 10014 and its successors – and ordered the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to review and revise all agency actions that adhered to the previous Proclamations.
The authorities of the United States will revisit regulations, orders, policies, guidance documents, and other agency actions and update them to reflect Biden’s most recent Proclamation, aptly titled, “A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10014.”
Additional Executive Orders and Immigration Reform Status Update
President Biden recommitted to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, ended Trump’s “Muslim travel ban,” and instructed the Department of Homeland Security to change its priorities for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
As a result, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a 100-day pause on certain removals —which would expire on Friday, April 30, 2021. However, on February 23, 2021 a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, which indefinitely banned the enforcement of the 100-day moratorium. The injunction currently remains in effect.
Improving the Law for Immigrants
At The Modi Law Firm, PLLC, we are pleased to see positive changes for our clients under the Biden administration.
If you received a Diversity Visa in 2020 and experienced delays – or if you need help with any other immigration-related concern – please do not hesitate to call us at (832) 514-4030 or contact us online today.