On April 23, 2020 President Trump signed an executive order  temporarily blocking the issuance of green cards to those outside the United States for 60 days. Although this measure has a chilling effect on immigration, the measure includes numerous exemptions, like those for overseas spouses and young children of American citizens. Further, the policy does not prevent people from beginning the family unification process, it only prevents people from being interviewed at an embassy while it is in effect. 

The measure does not apply to immigrants already in the United States, nor those seeking temporary visas, including students.  Further, the policy does not impact those seeking asylum in the US.   Other exceptions include health care professionals and their families as well as people in the EB-5 program, who invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in programs that create jobs. Also exempt from the order are members of the military and their children

The order will affect thousands of parents, adult children and siblings of citizens seeking to immigrate to the United States. The diversity lottery has been put on hold and green card holders in the United States will be prevented from reuniting with their spouses abroad.

In 30 days, the policy will be reviewed with the potential for the time it is in place to be expanded or for new restrictions to be added.