White House Pushes New Immigration Limits Using The Coronavirus as Cover

Posted on 06/12/20

According to sources familiar with White House deliberations, The Trump administration continues to plan new immigration limits to restrict the entry of immigrants into the United States. This comes as the President continues to push for a full reopening of the American economy and as spikes of Covid-19 cases begin. Despite the efforts to push for a reopening, White House officials remain committed to ushering in new immigration limits while citing the
Coronavirus and the impact on the economy.

A key member behind the Trump administration’s efforts is Stephen Miller, Trump’s lead immigration adviser who is a pinnacle actor in Trump’s hardline immigration restrictions and agenda. Some of the administration’s immigration policies have been easily enacted which prior to the Coronavirus had little traction between lawmakers, including closing the southern border to migrants and stopping asylum unless certain measures are met.

After the President’s April proclamation, Stephen Miller applauded the president’s actions citing the policies as the first step in limiting the flow of immigration from other countries. The proclamation sets up key deadlines, one of which is approaching a review for this weekend.
Immigration could be suspended for several more months even as the economy continues to open up. Numerous businesses have outright advocated for allowing some immigration, as immigrants are essential to their businesses recovery. Many anticipate that an additional executive order will use the backdrop of the economy’s slow recovery as the reason for extensions of immigration limits.

Interest groups, businesses and experts are going against additional restrictions, saying that visas allowing immigrants to temporarily work in the US are critical to the economy.

“Why would he want to cut off critical workforce that will help the economy recover?” said Greg Chen, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “It’s not a rational or reasonable approach to the stated goals of what they’re trying to achieve, which only points to the underlying purpose of effectuating the President’s campaign goals of cutting off immigration,” Chen added.

Trump pledged the previous order would “ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens.” As the president’s message for a strong economy has been weakened, more immigration restrictions will help him in appeasing his base. Some temporary work visas are under consideration to be suspended for a period time, including, L-1 visas, H-1Bs, H-2Bs, and J-1 visas, according to some sources.

Call an Experienced Lawyer Today (203) 753-7300

Immigrating to the U.S.? Turn to an attorney who can help you navigate the process with minimal complications. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we know how to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants in Connecticut.

Even as an undocumented immigrant, you have legal rights. Becoming more informed and actively aware of the protections available to you can help make certain that your rights are not violated. Our lead attorney, James A. Welcome , is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has an AVVO rating of 10.0 in immigration law. We are not afraid to represent your rights in court if they have been impeded upon by law enforcement or public defenders, you can trust our legal team to fight tirelessly on your behalf in court.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/09/politics/immigration