President Donald Trump recently announced via social media that he would be temporarily suspending immigration to the United States because of the raging pandemic. In the latest White House briefing, Trump revealed more details regarding the temporary halt.
CNN reports that Trump revealed more details regarding his announcement of temporarily suspending immigration to the United States. The President announced that this temporary halt will only apply to those who are seeking green cards and not workers who enter the country on a temporary basis. This temporary suspension will last for 60 days. Trump added that the Executive Order is currently being drafted and he will likely sign the order by Wednesday. At the end of the 60-day period, Trump said he will review the order again in case it should be renewed.
Trump also indicated that this measure is done to “protect American workers” and noted a few exemptions to this order. Americans who are unemployed would be the first priority by the time the lockdown is lifted. “It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad. We must first take care of the American workers,” said Trump.
The President has yet to disclose further details regarding the exemptions to the Executive Order. But prior to Trump’s announcement, some White House aides were reportedly unsure of how the order would be set in place and what change it would make to the current situation in the country as most work visas as well as green card applications have already been placed on temporary hold.
Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken to Trump on the phone. Johnson spoke to Trump Tuesday, thanking him for his well-wishes as he recovers from coronavirus as well as reaffirming the hopes of a UK-US trade agreement along with the G7’s efforts to fight the pandemic.
“The leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus including through the G7 - which the US currently chairs. They also discussed UK-US cooperation in the fight against the pandemic. The leaders committed to continue working together to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including by signing a free trade agreement as soon as possible,” said the Downing Street spokesman.
