Trump has signed the EO of the ban he described in a tweet a couple of days ago. Looking at the text of the ban there are some important points.
- It does not affect people who already have a valid immigrant visa or existing permanent residents.
- It does not affect those inside the USA looking to adjust status.
- It does include DV lottery cases.
- There are a number of exceptions for medical professionals, which may be useful to some DV lottery cases.
- The order starts tomorrow night (April 23rd) and lasts 60 days
The EO is likely to be challenged, BUT it is important to note it only lasts 60 days. Embassies are currently closed so that only stops visa issuance until late June – which is not that different to the impact we already knew because of the embassy closures. So, although the order could be extended (if not already blocked) it does not mean the end of the road for DV2020 cases.
It will have little or NO impact on DV2021 unless it is extended greatly.
The order itself can be read here.
September 1, 2020 at 04:59
Hi Simon, could you please inform what is the latest update with regard to DV2021. There are thousands of articles and information on the internet, all saying different things. So plesae kindly inform about the possibility of DV2021 selectees not being interviewed/issued visas
PS I am one of the selectees
September 1, 2020 at 19:11
This is such a vague question. There is ZERO chance that no one will get visas. Now what, specifically, is your concern.
June 23, 2020 at 00:41
Hello sir ı have a quesiton, what happened to dv2021 lottery ? , I heard that Trump signed a new decision on immigrants. Can someone explain to me? Im also one of the dv 2021 winners.
June 23, 2020 at 00:55
Please look at my latest post.
June 18, 2020 at 12:23
Hi Brit,
Thank you all you do. Quick question – any idea if the DV suspension got lifted or extended? Could not find any specific answers online as my visa number is current now (in June).
Thank you
June 18, 2020 at 20:24
No news about extension yet. Without an extension It will end in a few days.
June 13, 2020 at 22:42
Hello Simon, I am from Somalia, and off-course its one of the travel Ban countries. So I’have been selected for DV2021.
My question is, if i can get Ethiopian Passport now , will they give me visa. Plus I have a brother in USA FYI.
Thank you for your consideration .
June 14, 2020 at 00:54
That could help.
June 13, 2020 at 05:31
Hi Brit,
Could you please let us know how does the below article affect DV2020 winners..!!
https://www.rollcall.com/2020/06/12/administration-puts-hold-on-green-card-requests-from-us/
June 13, 2020 at 16:55
Doesn’t really affect them – and if it does, only those adjusting status.
June 12, 2020 at 04:59
Hello
I have question I already got the visa for DV 2020 I’m from Sudan living in Dubai , can I travel now I mean is the airports open for international flight
June 12, 2020 at 11:01
Google.
June 10, 2020 at 15:17
Good morning.
We are very close to the deadline of the ban getting extended, as it had to be done no later than 50 days after it started and that will be June 13th, right?
I was wondering, if it DOES get extended, what will that mean for DV2020? If they extended another 60 days it means that, by the time it ends (late August) they will only have a month and a half to process the rest of the visas? If they don’t get to 50000, the remaining ones will still be given out or they will be just lost for good?
Also, any idea how this could affect 2021? Could it get cancelled even if the winners have already been announced?
Thank you so much for your time, help and patience.
June 11, 2020 at 00:35
No you are not correct about the deadline to extend. He can extend it when he wants or replace with something else. The 50 days is for someone to report to him.
If it gets extended it will be challenged, but we might lose more time and that would reduce still further the chances of DV2020 cases – because the September 30th date cannot be moved.
I won’t speculate further on DV2021 impacts because the ban isn’t even extended yet – so why try and guess every scenario.
June 11, 2020 at 06:08
Thank you for your reply.
I was blindly holding on to that possibility, that because of the deadline they might not extend it. I was wrong.
You are totally right about speculating being pointless but as one of the selected people, all hope is welcome now that we are worried it will get cancelled for good even if the winners have already been announced.
June 11, 2020 at 21:40
I am reading about new immigration limits of new visa types…. Could the Executive order be lifted and restrictions be on the new visa limitations currently being discussed?
June 12, 2020 at 01:40
Anything is possible. But some things are not legal. So – wait and see.
May 19, 2020 at 11:56
Dear brit,
I have valid DV visa issued on february 20, 2020, i asked my embassy that will i be permitted to enter U.S and the embassy sent me this email which really confused me
Per https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/:
Diversity Visas (DVs) are not exempted from the current suspension of entry and would not be permitted to enter the United States.
We do not have any further guidance at the current time on when permitted immigrant visa categories may be adjusted.
Regards,
Repatriation Assistance Team
Consular Section, US Embassy Kabul
May 19, 2020 at 14:04
The embassy are entirely incorrect. So if you want to enter now, you can contact them and point out they are mistaken. Referring to the link they gave you, Highlight the following section (Section 2 (ii) )
Sec. 2. Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry. (a) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall apply only to aliens who:
(i) are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation;
(ii) do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation; and
May 18, 2020 at 03:02
Hello Brit, I just chanced on this news: https://news.yahoo.com/immigration-agency-asks-emergency-funds-223022230.html
Could Trump be forced to lift by this ban with this developing story?
Is there any hope in sight?
Thanks
May 18, 2020 at 03:56
I dont think that would force Trump.
May 18, 2020 at 00:40
Hello Brit,
Can we interpret the EO as below:
EO is about SUSPENDING the ENTRY of IMMIGRANTS to USA (stopping to enter during immigration) but not stopping the available consular at abroad from processing the application? Means getting things processed till last stage with decision to approve or reject the case once the ban is uplifted.
Or something like this; issue the visa but DHS do not allow to enter USA at the airport until ban is uplifted.
May 18, 2020 at 01:51
Visas will not be issued while the ban is in effect. They might interview cases, but of course, the embassies are closed at the moment, so we don’t know for sure.
May 14, 2020 at 15:21
Hi
I have active visa and i am from afghanistan
The embassy’s website says a commercial airline from qatar will bring back americans home but i dont know if a visa holder is also eligable to board on this flight or not. The embassy is not responding that is why i asked here
Link is below
https://af.usembassy.gov/message-for-u-s-citizens-qatar-airways-flight-from-kabul-on-may-16-2020/
May 14, 2020 at 15:33
And my given U.S address is virginia but this flight will land in chicago will that be a problem I mean can i enter from any airport in the U.S
May 14, 2020 at 18:38
No problem.
May 14, 2020 at 18:39
I don’t know what criteria they use for saying who can board the flight. If you have a visa you are not generally barred from entry.
May 13, 2020 at 20:46
Hi Brit,
I’m waiting for the ds260 receipt. It’s been 2 weeks already, should I email Kentucky?!
Where can I get the I-797 form?!
May 14, 2020 at 17:59
Why do you need the receipt????
Google the form.
May 13, 2020 at 14:40
Hi Sir Brits please I need your comment please, I’ve already did my interview and anytime I check my status it used to say refused which is administrative processing before but just today I checked and it says updated today and it’s says “Ready” please I dont I understand because they wrote that I should schedule for interview, so please is that means they’re going to interview me again ?
But after my interview the consular officer told me my visa is approved.
Thank you so much in advance for your answer
May 13, 2020 at 16:21
PATIENCE.
May 12, 2020 at 17:57
Hello Brit,
I really dont understand the logic of this OC.
1. All the borders are closed and in this situation even if a have an Visa, I will not travel to USA for health reasons.
2.Most of the immigrant that want to leave their country for a better live are prepared to face difficulties situation and able to face their problems with hard work, making no complain for a job ( that pay taxes to the State).
4. Most of the immigrant will no travel to a foreign country with no money. They will all bring with them all their savings that will be injected in the USA Market.
5. the DV program is a Lottery. We won this lottery, this was our fate. In case you win in the Slot Machine, the Casino did not Cancel or postpone your winning. The DV program is very sensitive compared to the other immigration visas because we have a deadline.
Anyway GOD BLESS AMERICA 🙂
May 13, 2020 at 02:01
There is no logic to the executive order.
5. The letter you received made it clear that the visa is not guaranteed.
May 10, 2020 at 06:57
Hi
First of all sorry for my weak english
I have visa which expires on july 1st and at the same day july 1st an airline announce they will resume flights so is it possible to board on that flight on the expiry date of visa and will reach america on 2nd june, will immigration officers allow me to enter in this case?
May 10, 2020 at 07:01
* 2nd july
Sorry i made a mistake
May 10, 2020 at 13:59
Yes.
May 10, 2020 at 15:33
I am really sorry for bothering you with the same question i just wanted to make sure that you get my question because above i dont know i explained it properly or not
The written expiry date In my visa is 1st july and at the same date 1st july there is first flight after pendamic so will they let me board on that flight on the expiry date of my visa? and there is another problem that when i reach america there will be 2nd july i dont know if the immigration afficer will let me enter to america or not
This is what i wanted to say
May 10, 2020 at 16:14
I understood.
May 12, 2020 at 11:07
Hai R,Buddy u have a Golden Opportunity that u need to act smart before it fades.
Please cam u search for available flight that would pick up from outside your home country.u can search for Available flight from Country or region u can easily travel without visa restrictions and u can depart for the US.
Right after the Ban expuexpand no further extension,u can book ur flights and leave
For example am a Liberian,I can book my flight into Togo,Ghana,senegal if flights are available there but not in my home country and I can travel therrand pick my flight.
Hope am making sense for u.
May 12, 2020 at 19:17
Hi brother
You are right but i am from afghanistan and its a war zone a very limited international flights available and all neighbor countries closed thair borders with us we are in a really bad situation i can not get out of here i hope everythig gets better and thanks alot for your advice i really appriciated
May 9, 2020 at 13:28
Dear Brits, is there anything we (all over the the regions) Dv winer can do ? Such as law or Supreme Court , sign petition, if there is anything exception to save our chance ? Of course by understanding the fact that now it hard to go US and also to get any Job, to save the chance or extension by understanding the situation? I am ready if there any lawsuit or anything can be done to save the chance.
May 9, 2020 at 14:16
Some lawsuits have been filed to try to stop the ban, but the ban is only part of the problem. Basically all you can do is wait.
May 9, 2020 at 11:53
Brit another smoke screen.
**** I deleted the link because there is no point us discussing a bill that is ONLY being discussed by lawmakers ****
May 9, 2020 at 12:35
Till June 13th Trump has to make a decision. His administration pushes to extened existing ban and expand it for H-1B and other temporary work visas (maybe student visas too). It doesn’t mean it will go in effect, though considering what’s happening in the US, everything is possible now. I still hope there’s someone who can block such orders. Hope dies last.
May 9, 2020 at 13:03
Any lawsuit for eo related to dv program?
May 9, 2020 at 13:13
So is that Dv 2020 is no hope ? It’s about 42000 people waiting for the visa..
May 9, 2020 at 14:15
Don’t make silly assumptions or assertions based on rumor.
May 9, 2020 at 09:05
Fervent greetings Big Brother, I don’t know why this people didn’t give preference to those who have already took their medicals oh Jesus Christ, I returned to my home country twice because of this dv stuff but here am i, oh God have mercy upon us, I’m from China and my visa will be expiring very soon just so confused. All my trust and believe to God that all will work positively in our favor.??
May 7, 2020 at 20:23
Hello Brit, please comment on this.
https://www.kulr8.com/coronavirus/sen-daines-pushes-to-lengthen-trumps-60-day-immigration-ban/article_6d19a0ce-4f15-5ad6-973b-a46ee8719c70.html
May 8, 2020 at 01:02
He just did though…literally look 2 replies back!
May 8, 2020 at 01:15
Thanks Walt.
May 8, 2020 at 13:36
Evevn if it happened, the extension still might be blocked by supreme court or other organizations leading lawsuits against Trump, right? Or the chance to block it is rather low?
May 8, 2020 at 20:04
That’s all speculation without information – so your guess is as good as mine.
May 7, 2020 at 16:31
Hi Brits please have you read about this ? And how true is it please?
https://www.kulr8.com/coronavirus/sen-daines-pushes-to-lengthen-trumps-60-day-immigration-ban/article_6d19a0ce-4f15-5ad6-973b-a46ee8719c70.html
May 7, 2020 at 21:04
Probably true. THat does not mean it is agreed – just that Daines is pushing for that extension.
May 7, 2020 at 22:55
Ok okay…thanks Brit, but please have you heard any legal challenges against Trump new immigration proclamation again ? Apart from the one we lost from AILA people
May 8, 2020 at 18:08
Namaste
What does it mean are they planning for extention of ban or they are stopping the ban to be extended !
Thank you britisimon sir
Have a good time
God bless all of us
May 8, 2020 at 20:09
There is nothing certain yet.
May 6, 2020 at 05:07
I am from Nepal and DV lottery winner of 2020. I got the visa and it will expire in June 1.I know that the visa validity extension is possible.I want to know that the trump immigration ban of 60 days will effect the extending the period of my visa? and what will be the consequences in my case for extending visa validity period if immigration ban of 60 days extend to 120 days
May 6, 2020 at 18:50
Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/extending-an-immigrant-visa-for-unavoidable-reasons/
Regarding whether the ban will be extended or not, I don’t know.
May 7, 2020 at 10:09
Hi Mr. Britsimom,
I am from Gross National Happiness country, Bhutan which is situated between giant China at North and India at south. This was my third time applying for USA DV. lottery. In my past experiences I found that while we enter the entrant status my digital confirmation numbers were not accepted by system and I got rejected.
This time I had applied for DV2021 and hopefully my confirmation number wouldn’t repeat same as past years. I am very happy to know that even at covid-19 pandemic time also state department is giving us to take opportunity to apply.
Thanking You
May 5, 2020 at 17:03
HI simon
what about my case that got just gc lastmonth
i m still in my country though
can i enter to the us ?
May 5, 2020 at 23:59
Yes
May 5, 2020 at 00:38
To be honest, i think Trump is going to extend the EO longer…….i hope it will not be extend anymore or there will be a lawsuit to suspend the EO. What a crazy period when i known i am one of the selectee of the lottery winner then prepare all related doc, monitor the vb every month and almost get current, then change to the current status due to the pandemic….god bless and good luck to all of us
May 5, 2020 at 22:06
None of us know what will happen – so let’s wait and see.
May 4, 2020 at 06:44
Hi Simon, Does this apply to visitor visas as well? I have an appointment coming up soon, what is your advise? Thanks!
May 4, 2020 at 20:18
No – this is an immigrant ban. Not visitors visas.
May 5, 2020 at 05:18
Thank You
May 2, 2020 at 13:03
Hey Brit,
I am from nepal and my visa is expiring on May27 2020. Do you know if the embassy of USA in nepal will extend the visa or not?
May 2, 2020 at 18:10
https://britsimonsays.com/extending-an-immigrant-visa-for-unavoidable-reasons/
May 1, 2020 at 23:53
Hi thank you for your information. We got cancelled our DV visa interview on April 6th in Japan due to Covid-19 then we don’t get new appointment yet. I know they are still closed.
Under this EO does US embassy are closed for next 60days and don’t schedule new visa appointment ? I want to know your opinion.
Thank you,
May 2, 2020 at 00:40
https://youtu.be/ko66ctViclo
May 1, 2020 at 22:55
USCIS (formerly “INS”, or the “Immigration Service”) is still open at their service centers for filing petitions like marriage petitions (I-130), adjustments of status (I-485), changes of status (for example a B-2 tourist changing to F-1 student), extensions of status (needed for people who status is expiring soon), and work visas (H-1B, O-1, E-2 and more). USCIS is not conducting in-person interviews at their field offices. This includes for a green card (for example, through marriage) or naturalization. Any interviews that had been scheduled between March 18th and May 3rd will be rescheduled. However, USCIS will provide emergency in-person services for limited situations.
Immigration Court (also called the Executive Office for Immigration Review or EOIR): EOIR courts have postponed all non-detained hearings (hearings where the person is not jailed by immigration) until May 1st, 2020.
EOIR has also announced that the following courts are closed: Seattle, Los Angeles – Olive Street, Sacramento, New York – Federal Plaza, New York – Broadway, Newark, Memphis, Louisville, Houston – S. Gessner Road, Charlotte, and Atlanta – W. Peachtree Street. So no hearings will be held at these locations. Detained hearings (including unaccompanied children) are moving forward at this time.
Department of State/Embassies and Consulates: Embassies and consulates interview people who are in another country, not presently in the USA, and seek temporary visas like a tourist visa, work visa (H-1B, O-1, E-2, student visa — F-1, etc.). The embassies also interview people in other countries for permanent residence, i.e., a “green card.” Many of the embassies are closed except for emergency travel and are not doing interviews for visas. Some embassies are open.
May 1, 2020 at 08:35
Dear Brit,
I know it is not sure if the EO will be extended or not but many says it will be. However in my opinion we should be prepared for worst case scenario. Now, you are our best chance to seize all the affected DV winners (winners with expiring visa, winners with lower CN) and consult with lawyers. I think if all of us collect money for a good lawyer (Group) that is better than consult with lawyers individually.
What do you think about this? Would you be our “project manager”?
May 1, 2020 at 14:23
There are already lawsuits proceeding. There is no need to do anything more. If the period were extended, a different type of lawsuit might be needed.
May 1, 2020 at 22:02
Based on your recent information what do you think, it will be extended or lifted after 60 days? I would like to get your opinion, I know nothing is sure in this situation.
May 2, 2020 at 00:45
I don’t know.
April 30, 2020 at 17:40
https://www.aila.org/infonet/aila-tro-april22–proclamation
Again this case was beneficial for underage visa applicants not for DV. They failed by I guess using the healthcare case plaintiffs from October for this case rather than making it a total separate case?
April 30, 2020 at 04:29
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/29/court-upholds-trumps-coronavirus-immigration-ban-224855
April 30, 2020 at 02:13
Hello Brits, Thanks for your good Job
Please is there any news about the AILA Law suit against President Trump’s immigration order? I learned they were supposed to discuss on it today, so how far pls?
April 30, 2020 at 19:00
Be patient. There are several lawsuits starting. Patience.
April 29, 2020 at 13:34
l am from Ethiopia, Of course the embassy was closed.As i understand from your questions the advantage for health professionals is only if the embassy is not closed.is that?
Tanks for your response
April 29, 2020 at 14:20
I don’t understand your question.
April 28, 2020 at 09:36
Hi Simon,
I emailed the Embassy here in London last week and received the opposite advice? I haven’t activated my visa yet, and they said i was NOT exempt from the ban.
“As an immigrant visa holder, you do not become an LPR until you are admitted to the U.S. on your immigrant visa and your passport is stamped that you have been admitted as an LPR. Accordingly, if you have not yet been admitted to the U.S. as an LPR, then you are not exempt from the Presidential Proclamation noted above, unless you fall under another exemption category listed in the Presidential Proclamation”
April 28, 2020 at 18:19
You may be confusing bans.
There is a travel restriction on people from EU, there is ALSO a 60 day ban on immigration. You may be subject to the first ban/restriction, but if you held your visa prior to April 23 you are NOT affected by the latter.
April 27, 2020 at 22:54
What I wonder about when it comes to DV2021 is this order going to effect the winners in a way that maybe they will eliminate all the applicants from outside the US. Would that be even possible? That would definitly increase the chances of all poeple who are currently in the country (applying for the change of status). What do you think Simon?
April 27, 2020 at 23:36
No, that won’t happen.