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.
April 23, 2020 at 05:24
You are my favorite person in the whole world now. 😀
Planning to fly to Los Angeles on Sunday with my DV visa!
Thank you very much for clarifying!
April 23, 2020 at 06:01
Cool!
April 23, 2020 at 10:12
Hi Brit
We have sent our all documents for DV 2020 and are waiting for interview?what will happen to our case now due to TRUMP order will it be cancel forever ? Though the expiration date for DV 2020 visa is 30th September .
Is it possible that DV 2020 extend after 30th September?
April 23, 2020 at 14:41
Do you understand what temporary means?
No extension after 30th September is possible.
April 23, 2020 at 10:54
Hello BritSimon
Thanks for all, currently I’m holding a valid dv visa but due to the restrictions I couldn’t travel and my visa will expire on May 09th. Please what should I do?
April 23, 2020 at 14:44
Read my recent article about extending the visa, but expect to do that after the ban.
April 23, 2020 at 06:44
Dear Britsimon; this is RAFY
I have got immigrant visa for me and my family with DV case and will be expired on Augest end. Does this EO having an impact on me?
April 23, 2020 at 14:21
No
April 23, 2020 at 08:45
Hello sir!!! For those who are in AP will be affected by this ban?? We had already sent document that consulat asked us
April 23, 2020 at 14:37
Yes, AP cases are affected.
April 23, 2020 at 05:25
I am 47xxx Eu is this over form ,Do I have any hopes any more ??
April 23, 2020 at 06:00
Only you control your hope.
April 23, 2020 at 05:25
Dear Brit,
you mentioned it is no the end of road for DV 2020 case, by this do you mean that visa bulletin will be issued after the 60 days to allow cases to get all the remaining possible cases interviewed in August & September.
Does this mean we yet to have 2 more visa bulletins instead of the originally 4?
April 23, 2020 at 06:00
Some people will be interviewed once the ban is lifted. NOT *all*. Some.
April 23, 2020 at 05:25
Thank you for the update. I eagerly waiting for a video on it.
April 23, 2020 at 05:29
Hello Brit,
Thanks for the clarification. I am currently living in the US and I have a advanced parole. I have a pending asylum status and I cant do AOS so I was planing to attend my interview in Canada. Dose the EO apply to me?? since I am currently in the US and hv Advanced parole. also my case number is already current.
Thank you
April 23, 2020 at 05:59
The ban would affect you if you travel outside of the USA, yes.
April 23, 2020 at 05:32
Thank you for the update.
April 23, 2020 at 05:37
Hey Brit
Interview scheduling wont be going on until late june (during these 60 days)?
April 23, 2020 at 05:56
Watch the video.
April 23, 2020 at 05:43
If we have to reissue our visa because it will expire in May then we fall under which category? Reissuing is equal to not having a visa or technically it is an extension?
April 23, 2020 at 05:57
It’s a re-issue – and therefore would not be possible during the ban.
April 23, 2020 at 14:49
Is it possible after the ban?
April 23, 2020 at 16:09
Possibly.
April 23, 2020 at 05:44
Technically,this Ban has no effect cause Embassy is already closed.and most people outside the states get Visa through CO interview.
Is just unlucky for people of DV 2020 this year is a waste.even if thryopethin late juJuof let say July,it only 3 months remaining and they can never accomodate all intrrviin at that time.
We have to learn leasso from DV 2020.We that gingg to be winner of DV -2021,we should act of our cases quickly cause the immigration future of the US is not smooth and stable.no more delay stsrtins October.
April 23, 2020 at 05:44
Hi brit,
It does include DV lottery cases.
Is this any problem from DV lottery who have got immigrants visa?
April 23, 2020 at 05:57
No impact.
April 23, 2020 at 05:56
so I think, for the case number highest, this is the final game over for dv2020 lottery winners.
April 23, 2020 at 06:00
Hey BritSimon: (2020AS31xxx)
From your experience, lets suppose they resume interviews in late May/early June, Would there be enough time for VB of Asia to reach AS32K? I ask this being hopeful that between 18K and 32K as per hole theory there are just 1-2K cases to be interviewed.
I know you hate speculation but hope is all that I have to cling on to this DV lottery =(
April 23, 2020 at 06:02
There are very few actual cases left. It *might* be possible to get to high AS cases numbers. Wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 07:37
what about eu cases can they reach to high cn?
April 23, 2020 at 14:30
I don’t know.
April 23, 2020 at 06:03
Hi Brit,
thanks for your updates – so helpfull!!
So, if i already have an valid immigrant visa in my Passport, i can travel an do my immigration?
If yes, then we have to do 14 days self quarantine is that right?
April 23, 2020 at 06:14
You can enter, depending upon restrictions for people in your country.
April 23, 2020 at 06:20
Thanks!!
Because i heard that with an immigrant visa i don‘t have the LPR status YET and that i can‘t travel ?
April 23, 2020 at 14:11
As I said, that depends on where you are coming from.
April 23, 2020 at 06:07
Hi Brit,
I already got my green card a year back. Now I am back in Singapore to visit my mum and move to the USA for good . Will the ban implies to my situation ? Can I travel to the USA tomorrow ?
April 23, 2020 at 06:13
Read the article above!
April 23, 2020 at 06:09
Hi Brit, I have read through the executive order. It specifically says “Suspension and Limitation on Entry” which seems different to visa issuance. Entrance to the US is determined by homeland security, who interview you on arrival, not the Department of State who issue the visas. Therefore maybe this order is to homeland security to deal with rather than the department of state. Therefore there might be a chance that this EO does not effect DV processing at all, you will just not be able to ENTER US soil during the 60 days
April 23, 2020 at 06:12
No. That is not how it works. The order says (exactly as before) that people with visas in hand will be allowed to enter.
So, the way they operate that is to stop issuing.
April 23, 2020 at 06:23
“(ii) do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation; and
(iii) do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission.”
It specifically refers to visas issues after the effective date of the EO. So that implies processing may still occur, just entrance will be denied.
April 23, 2020 at 06:54
Taylor has a point. The way they operate that is just to look at the visas dates. But it does not mean that visas can’t be issued during this 60-day period.
April 23, 2020 at 14:23
So wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 11:18
Interesting. I agree with Taylor here. There is no mention of actually banning the issuance. Additionally, I saw a tweet by a lawyer called david leopold that “Trump can suspend “entry” of foreign nationals under 212(f) but he cant suspend #immigration. There’s a big diff between the two.
Only Congress can change the law.
Desperate to secure his base, he’s trying 2 divert from his epic fail on #COVID19″. What do you think? Its obviously reading between the lines. but once the embassy opens there is no legal means to “prevent” the issuance of DV green cards solely on the grounds of this EO?
April 23, 2020 at 11:30
Ok, but why there is no VB then?
April 23, 2020 at 14:45
I think you should pay attention to what I already said, rather than dreaming about what you see as a legal loophole.
April 23, 2020 at 14:13
I understand your point. Really I do. But we have seen this before.
April 23, 2020 at 06:13
Hi Simon, is the visa bulletin going to be posted during this band?
April 23, 2020 at 06:13
Hi Simon, wow what a ride the past few weeks have been. I am hopeful that a judge will block the EO, as he’s clearly driving his own political agenda with this move.
My question is if those DV cases that were about to be scheduled last month could still have an interview date in July, would they give us a heads up before July in order to have the medical done in time, if that is the case?
Thanks again for your advice through this. I don’t envy you having to reply to some of the very disappointed followers here. You’re a saint.
Stay safe.
April 23, 2020 at 06:15
We will need 3wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 06:28
Hi Brit,
I am a winner of DV2020 lottery with an EU cases 2020EU45XXX. my spouse is a pharmacist and it is a work that doesn’t affeft this ban. It can be possible that, even this is a high case, they can process before lower cases for this reason?
April 23, 2020 at 14:15
Processing is in numeric order according to the VB. Once the VB is current for two example cases, their order is no longer important.
April 23, 2020 at 06:28
Dear Brit,
I’m from Iraq.
I got visa and it will expire on 20th May. I don’t received my passport yet. Do this ban effects me? Can I travel if the flight has been opened before 20th?
Thanks
April 23, 2020 at 14:16
If you have a visa, No impact.
April 23, 2020 at 06:35
It’s terrible but let wait and see maybe this man wants to ban for good what’s called DV lottery due to his statements that’s his aim and he might also extend to 120 days which means DV2020 even if will have access, will be only viewer cases which were already being scheduled as I can see but less wait and see but Lord is always on our side,thanks alot britsimon for your update may alord be with you always.
April 23, 2020 at 14:16
This ban is not specific to DV – so it is nothing to do with him wanting to stop DV.
April 23, 2020 at 06:36
Hello sir,can we hope case number Above 14k in Nepal for interview up to sept ..I think they will publish 1 vb after the ban .current vb of nepal is 11700..
April 23, 2020 at 14:17
Wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 06:42
Ok i read that it affects DvLottery but how. As the EO is temporary, the most important is after this covid situation in reopening…Will embassies and KCC continue processing visa documents and schedule interviews that will start immediately on 24 June,2020 ???
April 23, 2020 at 14:20
They might conduct interviews before the 60 days. We will have to wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 06:43
Hi,
We had our visa interview on March 9 and we got the greencard. They gave us a temporary visa, valid for 6 months. Meaning that by August 27 we should enter the US to receive that 1 year stamp in the passport, pay the last fees and complete the process to have the actual greencard released. Does this EO apply to us?
Thanks.
April 23, 2020 at 14:20
No.
April 23, 2020 at 06:47
Hello Brit,
I have won dv 2020 and my visa also approve. i have immigrant visa (expire date Sep2) in passport and sealed yellow envelope. May I travel to US after lockdown?
April 23, 2020 at 14:23
Yes
April 24, 2020 at 11:47
Same case here with me too.I hope this ban won’t be a problem for people like us who is already holding a valid visa.
April 24, 2020 at 14:29
No need to hope. We KNOW the answer for that – written above.
April 23, 2020 at 06:55
Hi Simon
If an applicant is a health care worker, nurse for instance, supposing the embassies are open and he becomes current, can he go ahead to prepare and attain the interview since he’ll be of essential service
April 23, 2020 at 14:24
Possibly – he would need to discuss with the embassy.
April 23, 2020 at 07:18
“Although the order could be extended(not already blocked) “ what does it mean? There is a chance to lift a ban?
April 23, 2020 at 14:26
Yes, it may be challenged.
April 23, 2020 at 07:23
Honestly, for EU35k, do you think game is over?
We got only 2 VBs left instead of 4 VBs.
I’m so sad and sorry because I’m asking for your opinion (prediction) for my case number but I have chance to immigrate in better European country then mine so I need to react quick…
You think I got any chances with EU35k?
Regards and Thank you!
April 23, 2020 at 14:29
So there is this unprecedented pandemic going on, and now the new EO, but you expect me to predict what will happen? Jeez.
Wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 07:28
So the visa bulletin will not published for 3months I think people having high case number have no hopes now including me.
April 23, 2020 at 07:46
Trump is not a supporter of the dv lottery, he has always wanted to amend it to be merit based, or do away with it, thankfully he has no enough numbers on his side to implement the changes , I think we should brace for tougher times, he will use the current pandemic to jeopardize the dv lottery processes, after the elapse of 60 days, he can buy time by extending the ban, someone in the US should rush to the court to block the Eo
April 23, 2020 at 14:31
This is NOT ABOUT DV!
April 23, 2020 at 07:53
Mr.Brit And if the winner’s wife has a medical education, she may be a nurse, but we have a EU large number?
April 23, 2020 at 08:04
also my situation. My wife is pharmacist degree, but I am the winner of the lottery. Also have Eu high number.
April 23, 2020 at 14:32
The number is still important.
April 23, 2020 at 08:05
Thank you Brit for the update . You really kept the hope button on even at the darkest days . You are wonderful , I still hope something good will happen before the end of the FY .
April 23, 2020 at 08:14
Hello dear Brit
My interview was canceled, but I am nurse, if the embassy will open, my case could reschedule during the ban for 60 day? Please answer me
April 23, 2020 at 14:32
Ask the embassy.
April 23, 2020 at 08:16
Brit, what do you think, will KCC continue to process and transfer cases to make as many people ready as possible from the end of June?
For my specific case for example, I am ready for interviewing (EU23xxx), documents got processed, but I never got transferred because KCC stopped that from the end of March. So my case is technically good to be scheduled, though of course consulates have backlogs etc.
Thank you!
April 23, 2020 at 14:33
I don’t know how KCC will operate, but also the embassies are closed. So – wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 08:17
dear mr simon.
i hope you and your family are ok.
it seem our road is very in bad time.
in order to understand i have question to make:
60 days of ban from 23 April to 23 June….
1) the VB of 15th May show the potential number of interview of July, is it correct to expect the Vb of may move and it can give to us a better overview of the situation.
2) is it possible due to the low number of visa released the Kcc decide to go current and July, august and September doing as much as possible interview?
3) Vb of April and Vb in general will be blocked for the president decision or they will be out?
4) i know is not the moment of asking number but what do you expect in EU region ? is it possible to believe they want to move as much as possible?
best regards
sofia
April 23, 2020 at 14:34
**SURELY** you can see that it is impossible to predict. Can’t you?
April 23, 2020 at 08:25
Hey brits thank for your clarification on this situation. Do you think AF39*** which in April current didn’t get interview date will get chance? Now no one know when the Emabssy open. Honestly speaking I don’t want think about anymore because I am must focus on my work and study. So sad 2020. Thank you for again for your tireless work and I am not sure if people have think about Dv 2020 from now on. Thank you millions times!
April 23, 2020 at 14:36
I can’t predict that. This is uncharted territory.
April 23, 2020 at 08:25
Hi Brit!
I am current in the last vb but I received the email of processed documents the same day of the release of vb (13 March).
I should had have my interview in June.
In the case kcc reopening in June/July do you think I will have a chance to receive my 2NL with May 2NL being my number current in May even if I should receive 2NL for June?
What do you think about my situation?
April 23, 2020 at 14:37
Wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 08:36
I am in Oceania group, I already have my visa to be validated when i arrive in the states, am I ok?
April 23, 2020 at 14:37
Yes
April 23, 2020 at 09:11
Some people already have the new dates of their interviews. Can such kind of people write the embassies if their interview dates are still valid? In this way, we can find out if interviews are also stopped or not. Please let us know !
April 23, 2020 at 10:05
Hi Brit,
Thanks for your time and expertise. It fair to say case number 64xxx is at the end of the road for DV 2020, isn’t it?
April 23, 2020 at 11:05
I meant AF64xxx
April 23, 2020 at 14:40
No.
April 23, 2020 at 10:20
Dear Brit,
Please forgive me if my question is not related to this article.
There is many different information about family relationship in travel ban from muslim countries for DV.
1) is it include aunt, or it’s just include parents?
2) and shoud she prove “undue hardship” for DV?
thanks
April 23, 2020 at 14:42
Your question is unclear.
April 23, 2020 at 20:42
travel ban 3.0 says: DV lottery winners from the affected countries must can prove they have a bona fide relationship with a US resident. The article also defines what is meant by the “person” with whom the relationship must exist. it says that a “Person” is defined as a parent, including parent-in-law, like aunt and uncle too, you said in 2017.
but now I saw many definition of “person”. some definitions say “person” not include some relationships like aunt, uncle and grandfather.
I’m completely confused now.
my aunt lives in US more than 25 years, my question is: bona fide relationship with a US resident include my relationship with my aunt or not?
thanks for your patient
April 23, 2020 at 21:35
So your question relates to the travel ban – not this new EO!
Aunts and Uncles are not normally included.
April 23, 2020 at 10:29
As I said in another comment, the suspension affects precisely DV winners, because the lottery is the only program that has an “expiration date” (30 September). The other programs are just postponed. High case numbers of DV 2020 are the only ones that will miss their chance. I wonder how many cases are left to be processed at this time? This is the perfect (sad) example why we should not have all eggs in one basket.
April 23, 2020 at 10:36
Hi Brit,
Just to remove my ambiguity, I am currently outside USA, but I do have a valid immigrant visa stamped on my passport ( dv visa) so am i included in this EO since I am currently outside KSA, or I can travel once the travel restrictions are relaxed.
April 23, 2020 at 14:43
No impact, as made clear if you read the article above.
April 23, 2020 at 11:14
Thanks a million Brits for update us…
Guys let not loose our hope for DV2020 we shall be alright after this COVID 19 and great things will happen after the ban believe me.
2020AF53**5 God bless you all and may God protect the world.
April 23, 2020 at 11:28
I am Eu 42xxx and I think we are kind of in the same spot (regarding case number). The one thing that makes me mad is that there’s enough visas ….. for all selectees.
April 23, 2020 at 12:52
Anna! this world is not fair really. there many many people who have hope to process things and now it going to be in cloud somehow. as all of us eager even March, April and may is canceled. even our VB realsease but didnt get 2nl still no idea wether we get the chance or not but from Trump view and his intention things are going in carzy way which many of us affected.
April 23, 2020 at 11:39
I. I had interview on April 1 .Do I have chances to get interviewed by embassy when this this 60 days is finally over and embassy reopen at the same time ?
II. Is their any chances that this order can be reject rejected by court?
Have a good time
God bless America
Thank you so much
April 23, 2020 at 14:46
Please read the article.
April 23, 2020 at 12:27
Hello Brit
Is it possible to get into the US… I got visa already, from Cameroon …. Ban in my country will be uplifted soon
April 23, 2020 at 14:46
If you already have a visa you are unaffected.
April 23, 2020 at 12:31
Hi everyone!!
I just wanted to thank all the hard work, effort and help that’s put in this blog.
I’ve read the EO.. And it leaves some hope for health care workers….
I work as a nurse and my CN EU 31Xxx.
I wonder if they will specify more details on how to proceed for those who are considered essential workers.
I have a question for the previous nurse commenter.. Did you pass the NACEX exam?
Thanks BritSimon for your dedication and help!!!
Really appreciate it!
April 23, 2020 at 12:42
Calling kcc they said me that 2NL has been blocked for this month by DOS but they are processing documents again.
What this mean Brit?
2NL has not been send for embassies’s closure or for EO?
Add to this I read again this order and everywhere is writing “the entry” of new immigrants for 60 days not “the issuance” .
What do you think?
April 23, 2020 at 14:47
Wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 12:46
Does this affect AOS cases?!
April 23, 2020 at 14:48
Read above.
April 23, 2020 at 13:19
In Albania today, all those who had the interview at the beginning of May received an email stating that the US Embassy has canceled all interviews until May 15.
how is this explained?
April 23, 2020 at 14:49
Are you kidding?
April 23, 2020 at 15:10
no
where can i post a picture of email?
April 23, 2020 at 16:06
I don’t need to see the email. This is WIDELY known!!! Embassies have been closed and interviews cancelled. I am surprised that is a shock to you.
April 23, 2020 at 14:51
Hello Sir,
I have already got by immigrant visa on november but due to lockdown in my country I cannot travel to US in the due date i.e. May . So Can I be able to extend my visa or not? Does EO affect on extending a visa or not ?
April 23, 2020 at 16:09
The EO will probably affect extension requests.
April 23, 2020 at 18:29
Dear Brit
My visa for entry in US expired tomorrow, although i pay all the fees for green card i cant entry in US because of the lockdown of the borders in my country (im from EU)
I sent many mails to the embassy in my country and the last they sent me is that is possible to extent the visa and renew medical and some other document.
My question is since the President sing this proclamation, do you have any assumption what will happen with the visa, will this effect on the extension.
I deeply apologize for ask you the question you have already answer, but it will helpful for more details
Thank you in advance
April 23, 2020 at 18:31
The extensions will probably not be possible during the ban. But you should be delaying that anyway – so that when you come things are more normal with work opportunities etc.
April 23, 2020 at 18:38
Thank you Brit for the quick respond and the advice