Trump Signs Executive Order ‘Temporarily’ Suspending US Immigration

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that he has signed an executive order 'temporarily suspending immigration into the United States' for 60 days to protect the jobs of Americans amid covid-19 pandemic.

In an official statement, the White House said, “The pause will be in effect for 60 days, and the administration will continue to monitor the labour market to amend or extend the proclamation if needed. There will be exemptions for medical and other essential workers to combat the outbreak, spouses and minor children of American citizens, and certain other aliens."

The temporary suspension of immigration will affect those who are legally seeking entry into the United States for employment purposes but not the ones who are already living in the country, the order said.

Describing about the powerful order, Trump said "This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens."

During his daily news briefing at the White House on Wednesday Trump said, “Excess labour supply affects all workers and potential workers, but it is particularly harmful to workers at the margin between employment and unemployment, who are typically ‘last in’ during an economic expansion and ‘first out’ during an economic contraction,”

The executive order, a copy of which was released by the White House, said the new provisions apply to foreign nationals outside the US who do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of proclamation.

Spouses of a US citizen, 21 years and younger kids of American nationals, or those who are under the process of being adopted are also exempted from this temporary suspension of immigration, the order read.

Trump has also restricted travel from China and Europe to avoid the further spread of coronavirus pandemic. The borders with Mexico and Canada have been closed and only essential travel is allowed.

Also Read: 60-day Ban On Immigrants Seeking Permanent Status In US: Trump