On January 31, 2020, the Trump Administration issued a proclamation prohibiting all individuals from entering the U.S. that have been physically present in China within 14 days of seeking U.S. entry. This prohibition is to remain in effect indefinitely, but it is subject to review every 15 days by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. However, the ban does not apply to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, their spouses, or their minor children. The proclamation also contains some other limited exceptions.
This proclamation has only been one of the many travel advisories, bans, and border closings that have occurred rapidly as COVID-19 has continued to spread across the U.S. For instance, in early March, the U.S. banned not only all individuals who had visited China within the last 14 days, but also those who had visited Iran and all European countries in the Schengen Area, which include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Shortly after that, the Trump Administration expanded this group of countries to include the United Kingdom and Ireland.
On March 18, 2020, the U.S. and Canada announced a mutual agreement to close the U.S.-Canadian border. The next day, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory, which recommends, but does not require, that U.S. citizens avoid all international travel.
All American citizens and legal permanent residents currently returning from these high-risk areas must fly into one of 13 designated international airports in the U.S. Upon arrival, travelers must undergo health screenings to determine if their risk factors for having contracted the virus.
The immigration lawyers of Peek Law Group have handled the legal immigration matters of countless individuals and businesses. We are here to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. Our goal is to get the best outcome possible in your situation. Call our office today at (512) 359-3362 to set up an appointment with our immigration attorneys.