President Trump Promises Temporary Suspension of Immigration into the United States
April 21, 2020
At a Glance
- In a tweet late Monday, the President said he would sign an executive order temporarily suspending U.S. immigration in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and protect U.S. jobs.
- As of Tuesday morning, no details of the scope, timing, or duration of the suspension had been provided.
The issue
President Trump announced in a tweet late Monday that he would sign an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States, as a means of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting U.S. jobs. Details of the promised suspension – including its effective date – were not immediately disclosed.
The scope of the promised executive order – including whether it will affect immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance, foreign national entry through U.S. ports, or immigration benefits processing within the United States – is not yet known. According to some reports, the order is not expected to make significant changes to existing Trump Administration policy. It will reportedly contain exemptions for agricultural and healthcare workers, but it is not yet known whether there will be further exemptions or waivers from the suspension.
The Administration has already instituted several immigration measures in its response to the pandemic, including bans on travel from China, Iran, the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as restrictions on nonessential travel through the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders. Most visa services at U.S. consulates have been under suspension since mid-March, as have in-person services at USCIS local offices and Application Support Centers.
Fragomen is closely monitoring developments in the wake of the President’s announcement and will issue further client alerts as new information becomes available.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted across multiple categories in the 2026 EMMA Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in global mobility and immigration services.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outlines the current state of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, examining how recent policy reforms, proposed changes to nationality rules and ongoing processing delays are reshaping the pathway to long‑term residence and EU citizenship.
Media mentions
In an article published in Mens en Migratie magazine, Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup explains how authorized representatives support employers with recognized sponsor status by managing complex immigration processes, particularly for international companies navigating Dutch requirements.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted across multiple categories in the 2026 EMMA Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in global mobility and immigration services.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outlines the current state of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, examining how recent policy reforms, proposed changes to nationality rules and ongoing processing delays are reshaping the pathway to long‑term residence and EU citizenship.
Media mentions
In an article published in Mens en Migratie magazine, Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup explains how authorized representatives support employers with recognized sponsor status by managing complex immigration processes, particularly for international companies navigating Dutch requirements.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.