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COVID-19: POTUS issues proclamation suspending entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in China

  1. Original Date Announced

    January 31, 2020

    POTUS issues 8 U.S.C. sec. 212(f) proclamation, temporarily restricting travel of individuals physically present in China in the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The proclamation allows the DHS Secretary to facilitate orderly medical screening and quarantine of individuals exposed to COVID-19.

    [ID #826]

    Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus
  2. Effective Date

    February 2, 2020
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)

    • October 5, 2021

      Kinsley v. Blinken, No. 21-962 (JEB) (D.D.C., Oct. 5, 2021).

      On October 5, 2021, Judge Boasberg granted summary judgment to nine plaintiffs (who had standing and whose claims were not moot), stating that the State Department "acted improperly in suspending visa issuance based on the Proclamations."

      **Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**

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  4.  
  5. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    January 25, 2021

    Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019

    This Biden administration policy--Proclamation 10143--leaves in place the original policy (Proclamation 9984), which suspended entry for certain people who recently were physically present in the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, and modified only the language regarding termination of that proclamation.

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  6. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    May 27, 2021

    2021.05.27 National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from China, Iran, India, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland

    This Biden administration policy modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On May 27, 2021, the State Department expanded eligibility for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the ban on travelers from China. The following groups may now qualify for NIEs: "travelers. . . seeking to provide vital support or executive direction for critical infrastructure; those traveling to provide vital support or executive direction for significant economic activity in the United States; journalists; students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs; immigrants; and fiancés."

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  7. Biden Administration Action: Revoked/Replaced

    October 25, 2021

    Proclamation 10294 Advancing Safe Resumption of Global Travel During COVID19

    On October 25, 2021, President Biden issued a Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic, which revoked Proclamation 10143, issued by President Biden on January 25, 2021, including from the country-by-country restrictions previously applied (including on individuals who recently were present in the People's Republic of China) and adopts an air travel policy that relies primarily on vaccination to advance the safe resumption of international air travel to the United States.

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Current Status

Not in effect

Most Recent Action

October 25, 2021 Action: Revoked/Replaced Proclamation 10294 Advancing Safe Resumption of Global Travel During COVID19
January 25, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
May 27, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
October 25, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration

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To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com