Important Updates
Important Updates
June 20, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 23, 2025 | CanadaCanada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness
June 20, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Transit Visa Requirement for Visa Nationals Implemented
June 20, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays at the Ministry of Manpower
June 20, 2025 | IraqIraqi Kurdistan: New Investor Visa Pathways Announced
June 20, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 23, 2025 | CanadaCanada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness
June 20, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Transit Visa Requirement for Visa Nationals Implemented
June 20, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays at the Ministry of Manpower
June 20, 2025 | IraqIraqi Kurdistan: New Investor Visa Pathways Announced
June 20, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Fragomen Consulting EuropeVietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

President Trump Imposes Ban on H-1B, L-1, H-2B and J-1 Entry Beginning June 24

June 22, 2020

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • A presidential proclamation will suspend the entry of new H-1B, L-1, H-2B and certain J-1 nonimmigrants, as well as their spouses and dependents, from 12:01am EDT on June 24 through December 31, 2020, with limited exceptions. The proclamation also immediately extends an existing ban on certain immigrant entries through the end of this year.
  • The ban does not affect foreign nationals holding valid U.S. visas or other travel documents, or those already present in the United States as of the effective date of the ban.
  • The proclamation directs the immigration agencies to develop regulations to further restrict the H-1B program and to toughen standards for certain categories of employment-based permanent residence.

The issue

President Trump today signed a proclamation that will suspend the entry of foreign nationals in the H-1B, L-1, H-2B, J-1 categories, and related categories for dependents, with some exceptions.  The nonimmigrant ban takes effect at 12:01am EDT on June 24, and will be in place through December 31, 2020.

In addition, the proclamation extends the existing ban on certain immigrant entries through December 31, 2020, effective immediately. 

The proclamation is part of the Trump Administration’s response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition to the entry bans, President Trump also ordered the Department of Homeland Security  to promulgate regulations that could make it more challenging for foreign nationals to be sponsored for H-1B nonimmigrant status or for green cards in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. 

The proclamation and future regulatory actions are likely to be challenged in court.

Who is subject to the nonimmigrant ban

The proclamation restricts the entry of the following categories of nonimmigrants, if they are outside the United States as of 12:01am EDT on June 24 and do not hold a valid visa, advance parole or other U.S. travel document:

  • H-1B and H-2B nonimmigrants;
  • L-1A executives and managers;
  • L-1B specialized knowledge workers;
  • J-1 interns, trainees, teachers, camp counselors, au pairs and Summer Work Travel participants; and
  • Their dependent spouses and children. 


The impact on Canadian nationals seeking admission in these categories – who are not required to obtain a visa to enter the United States – is not yet clear.

Exemptions and waivers

The following categories of foreign nationals are exempt from to the entry ban:

  • Foreign nationals present in the United States at 12:01am EDT on June 24, 2020.  This includes those in the United States awaiting a change of status under the FY 2021 H-1B cap;
  • Foreign nationals holding a valid visa, advance parole or other U.S. travel document on June 24, even if they are outside the United States when the ban takes effect;
  • U.S. lawful permanent residents;
  • The spouse or child of a U.S. citizen;
  • J-1  exchange program participants other than interns, trainees, teachers, camp counselors, au pairs and summer work travel participants; and
  • Foreign nationals entering to provide temporary labor or services essential to the U.S. food supply chain.


The proclamation also provides for discretionary waivers of the restrictions for foreign nationals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, including those who are necessary to facilitate the immediate and continued economic recovery of the United States, those involved with clinical care or  research related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and those who are critical to the defense, law enforcement, diplomacy or national security of the United States.

Waiver procedures are expected to be developed by the State Department in consultation with the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security. Waivers are to be decided on a case-by-case basis and are likely to be challenging to obtain.

Duration of the nonimmigrant entry ban

The nonimmigrant ban will take effect at 12:01am EDT on June 24 and will remain in place through the end of this calendar year. The administration could elect to extend or broaden the ban in the future.

Extension of the immigrant entry ban

The proclamation extends through December 31 an earlier ban on immigrant entry, which was set to expire today. U.S. consulates will not issue employment-based, family-based or Diversity Lottery immigrant visas during this period, with limited exceptions for U.S. lawful permanent residents;  spouses of U.S. citizens; children under 21 of U.S. citizens and prospective adoptees in the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications; foreign nationals seeking to enter on an immigrant visa as a healthcare professional, as well as their spouse and unmarried children under 21; applicants for EB-5 immigrant visas; and those whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest.

Forthcoming regulations restricting nonimmigrant programs

As part of the Trump Administration’s effort to give priority to U.S. workers, the proclamation orders the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to develop regulations to ensure that H-1B nonimmigrants and EB-2 and EB-3 immigrants do not disadvantage U.S. workers.  These regulations could impose more stringent H-1B eligibility criteria and wage obligations, change the way the H-1B quota is allocated to give priority to certain classes of beneficiaries, impose obligations on the vendors of companies placing H-1B workers at end-client locations, as well as on end-client companies themselves, increase worksite enforcement investigations, and toughen labor certification standards for permanent residence in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories.  Some of these regulations could be implemented on a fast track.

What the proclamation means for employers and foreign nationals

Today’s proclamation means that many foreign nationals with plans to enter the United States to begin work in H-1B, H-2B, L-1 or J-1 status, as well as their accompanying or joining dependents, may be unable to do so until the ban expires, unless they are sponsored for and obtain a waiver of the entry restrictions, or unless the ban is enjoined by a court.

Though the proclamation does not affect foreign nationals who are present in the United States or already hold valid visas, future regulations could make it more difficult for these individuals to change to or extend H-1B status or be sponsored by their employers for permanent residence in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories.

As a reminder, foreign nationals who are exempt from the new proclamation remain subject to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, which could impede their ability to enter or reenter the United States.

Fragomen is closely monitoring implementation of the presidential proclamation and will provide updates as the Administration issues  guidance.

This alert is for information purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Media mentions

Welt: Mehr Einwanderung dank „Super-Agentur“ – die heiklen Migrationspläne der Regierung

Partner Marius Tollenaere discussed how a digital “Super-Agency” could streamline Germany’s skilled migration.

Learn more

Blog post

Crisis Preparedness Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty

Senior Immigration Program Manager Alexia Prior and Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Julia Daoud discuss the importance of crisis preparedness in the face of geopolitical instability, emphasizing proactive strategies and resilience planning.

Learn more

Video

South African Citizenship Updates | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Immigration Consultant Caryn Esther Fisher discusses recent South African citizenship updates.

Learn more

Awards

Utah Business Recognizes Fragomen Salt Lake City Lawyers in 2025 Legal Elite Awards

Partner F. Joseph Paldino, Senior Associate Clark Cannon and Associate Mallorie Mecham are recognized in Utah Business’s 2025 Legal Elite.

Learn more

Media mentions

Axios: Immigration Crackdown Fears Hit White-Collar Offices

Partner Daniel Pierce discussed how heightened immigration enforcement is causing employers to review work authorization and staffing decisions.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Bolsters Asia Pacific Services with Manila-Based Team

Fragomen announces it is deepening its capabilities in the Philippines with a new office in Bonifacio Global City, the leading business and lifestyle district in Metro Manila.

Learn more

Blog post

How UK Employers Can Use Discounted Salary Rates to Sponsor Skilled Workers

Associates Ali Ali and Charlotte Roberts discuss how UK employers can sponsor skilled workers using discounted salary rates to meet immigration requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Tagesspiegel: Geschäfte mit der Einwanderung: Verband für Fachkräftegewinnung gegründet

Partner Marius Tollenaere betont, dass die Chancenkarte die Einreise von Fachkräften nach Deutschland erleichtern, bürokratische Hürden abbauen und die Effizienz durch eine bessere digitale Integration und weniger Kontaktpunkte steigern kann.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Saudi Arabia Reshapes Workforce With Surge in Talent Mobility Solutions

Partner Abeer Al Husseini emphasises that mobility providers are essential for navigating regulatory frameworks, integrating Saudi nationals into the private sector and ensuring compliance with Saudisation policies, all of which support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Learn more

Media mentions

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Media mentions

Welt: Mehr Einwanderung dank „Super-Agentur“ – die heiklen Migrationspläne der Regierung

Partner Marius Tollenaere discussed how a digital “Super-Agency” could streamline Germany’s skilled migration.

Learn more

Blog post

Crisis Preparedness Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty

Senior Immigration Program Manager Alexia Prior and Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Julia Daoud discuss the importance of crisis preparedness in the face of geopolitical instability, emphasizing proactive strategies and resilience planning.

Learn more

Video

South African Citizenship Updates | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Immigration Consultant Caryn Esther Fisher discusses recent South African citizenship updates.

Learn more

Awards

Utah Business Recognizes Fragomen Salt Lake City Lawyers in 2025 Legal Elite Awards

Partner F. Joseph Paldino, Senior Associate Clark Cannon and Associate Mallorie Mecham are recognized in Utah Business’s 2025 Legal Elite.

Learn more

Media mentions

Axios: Immigration Crackdown Fears Hit White-Collar Offices

Partner Daniel Pierce discussed how heightened immigration enforcement is causing employers to review work authorization and staffing decisions.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Bolsters Asia Pacific Services with Manila-Based Team

Fragomen announces it is deepening its capabilities in the Philippines with a new office in Bonifacio Global City, the leading business and lifestyle district in Metro Manila.

Learn more

Blog post

How UK Employers Can Use Discounted Salary Rates to Sponsor Skilled Workers

Associates Ali Ali and Charlotte Roberts discuss how UK employers can sponsor skilled workers using discounted salary rates to meet immigration requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Tagesspiegel: Geschäfte mit der Einwanderung: Verband für Fachkräftegewinnung gegründet

Partner Marius Tollenaere betont, dass die Chancenkarte die Einreise von Fachkräften nach Deutschland erleichtern, bürokratische Hürden abbauen und die Effizienz durch eine bessere digitale Integration und weniger Kontaktpunkte steigern kann.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Saudi Arabia Reshapes Workforce With Surge in Talent Mobility Solutions

Partner Abeer Al Husseini emphasises that mobility providers are essential for navigating regulatory frameworks, integrating Saudi nationals into the private sector and ensuring compliance with Saudisation policies, all of which support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.