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.

LATEST UPDATE: The closure of all United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices to the public has been extended until May 4, 2020.  For more information check USCIS WEBSITE or call our office.

All Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, Notices of Intent to Revoke, and Notices of Intent to Terminate issued and dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, have been granted a 60 day extension of their stated deadline. If you have received any of these requests or notices from USCIS, please call our office as soon as possible.

All immigration courts are not conducting any hearings (except for detained individuals) until May 1, 2020. This date could change. For more information check EOIR WEBSITE or call our office.

California is under a stay at home order due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We are complying with all Federal and State orders and guidelines. Our office hours are Monday –Friday 8:30-5:00 by telephone currently. We are continuing to provide services to existing clients as well as initial consultations with attorneys, however we are primarily working remotely so almost all appts will be by telephone and email. Our building is locked. Please do not attempt to come to the office without an appointment, as you will not be seen. In-person appointments are currently for essential work only. If you have an in-person appointment, please call to reschedule if are ill and do not bring extra people. We appreciate your cooperation.

Anyone with questions regarding the current status of reporting to ICE or ISAP, or regarding procedures at detention facilities should call our office.