Trump's Tweet About Total Immigration Ban Likely Results in Minimal or No Impact

In a late night tweet yesterday, President Trump indicated he will be signing an Executive Order (EO) to “temporarily suspend immigration into the United States.” This tweet has ignited confusion and anxiety, but it will likely have little or no impact.

First, the tweet refers to admitting immigrants into the U.S.  So, the proposed EO will presumably not impact foreign nationals currently in the U.S. 

Second, assuming the tweet actually becomes an EO, judicial challenges will surely follow and, similar to Trump’s previous travel bans, the EO will likely be put on hold by temporary restraining orders.  

Finally, back on March 20, 2020, the Department of State temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates.  So, no U.S. visas have been issued for over a month now.  When U.S. visa will resume processing will depend on containment of COVID-19 and thus, President Trump’s tweet and possible EO doesn’t change what is already in place.

Bottom line: even if the EO is issued and survives legal challenges, its impact will likely be limited to existing U.S. visa holders who are not in the U.S. and want to return, and those considering an international trip abroad.  It would be prudent for such individuals to consider returning to, and remaining in, the U.S.