Based on a new mandate from the CDC beginning October 01, 2021, any individual who submits a medical exam in connection to an application for an immigrant visa, or refugee status, must receive a COVID-19 vaccine. While some medical, religious, and age exceptions apply, any person who has a COVID-19 vaccine, from a U.S. approved manufacturer, available to them in the country that their medical exam is conducted must receive full vaccination.

President Trump signed a “Presidential Proclamation” on April 22, 2020, which affects the rights of potential immigrants outside the United States. It is set to expire in 60 days unless it’s extended. It affects people outside the United States on April 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time who do not have a valid entry document on that date. The Proclamation does not apply to Legal Permanent Residents, spouses and children under the age of 21 of United States Citizens, refugees and asylum seekers, and individuals who have skills needed during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as medical professionals.

This should not have a major effect as most U.S. consulates are currently closed and not processing immigrant visas. Additionally, it does not affect anyone who is already in the United States or already has the right to enter the United States, such as a Legal Permanent Resident (“green card” holder). It does not affect people currently in the process of obtaining permanent residency in the U.S.

Finally, it is very likely that this Proclamation will be challenged in Federal Court similar to other executive orders by the current administration.

If you have any concerns about how the Proclamation affects you or someone close to you, please contact our office at 559-558-5118 to schedule an appointment to talk to one of our attorneys. We are still helping clients and taking on new cases in accordance with local and state orders regarding coronavirus.

As of June 15, 2021, the Law Office of Camille K. Cook is open to the public. To reduce the amount of people we have in our office at one time we are currently only seeing individuals who make appointments before coming in. If someone attempts to enter our office without an appointment they will be turned away and asked to come back once an appointment has been made. Furthermore, we are requiring all office visitors to wear masks when in our office space, and we are pre-screening everyone who enters our office.