Every facet of our society has suffered the consequences of COVID-19. Our economy, social interactions, and daily life have become largely unrecognizable, and even the legal system has experienced turbulence and instability.
If you are hoping to one day live and work in the U.S.—either temporarily or permanently—you may feel as though your goals have been deferred. While the immigration system has suspended many of its services, the worst thing you can do is wait to begin or continue your application process until the pandemic is over.
Here are 3 major reasons why you should continue pursuing your immigration goals, despite the current circumstances:
- The sooner you begin, the sooner you can complete your journey. This advice may seem obvious, but some decide to delay their application process because the current wait time is longer than normal. Many believe now is simply not the right time to immigrate, but nothing could be further from the truth. While you should not apply until an experienced professional reviews your case, we urge you to act sooner rather than later.
- The immigration system is steadily increasing application fees. Over the last few years, the Trump administration has increased various petition fees, and it regularly continues to propose additional changes. We recommend applying now, before the process because even more expensive.
- The future of the immigration system is uncertain. Laws and policies have changed rapidly, and they will likely continue to do so if the administration remains the same. While the immigration process may seem arduous, more obstacles may arise in the future, and you could lose the opportunity to reunite your family or obtain the employment opportunity you deserve.
A Note About the 60-Day Ban
One of the biggest obstacles people may face at this time is Trump’s recent executive order. Effective until June 21, 2020, it prevents certain applicants from obtaining green cards and entering the United States.
Several people are exempt from this ban, however, including:
- Anyone who was already in the United States at 11:59 PM EDT on April 23rd
- Anyone who was outside the U.S. but had official travel authorization (e.g. advance parole)
- Refugees/asylum seekers
- The spouses or children of U.S. citizens
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces (or their spouses/children)
- Anyone eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (or their spouses/children)
- Applicants for the immigrant investor program (EB-5 visas)
- Anyone (and their spouses/children) deemed essential in combating COVID-19, such as doctors, nurses, researchers, etc.
- Anyone whose immigration is in the best interest of the U.S. (as determined by the Secretaries of State and DHS)
Essentially, the ban only prevents you from obtaining a green card if you are in none of the above categories, and you were outside of the U.S. without travel authorization when the ban took effect.
While it may feel as though several obstacles stand in between you and your life here in the U.S., the journey is more than possible, and you deserve to pursue it sooner rather than later.
Take Action Today—We’re Here to Help
Many people aren’t sure what they can do to further their immigration goals. They believe their hands are tied. But your opportunity to reunite your family, secure employment, and obtain legal status is still within your grasp—especially with The Gaston Law Firm, P.A. on your side. Our goal is to educate, encourage, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Act now, before the opportunity is lost. Call (888) 388-6859 or contact us online so we can help you keep your family together.