How is the coronavirus impacting immigration to the United States?
How is the coronavirus impacting immigration to the United States?
If you have any questions related to immigration in San Diego, California, call us today at (619) 746-8879
The coronavirus, COVID-19, has impacted the entire world and created panic across the United States with the confirmation of new cases every day. It has also affected immigration.
According to Immigration Impact, some government responses to the virus have already caused an impact on immigration in the United States, such as the closure of USCIS, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, offices in Seattle on March 3 due to concerns about the coronavirus.
“An employee of the USCIS office had visited a family member at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington before it was confirmed the facility had an outbreak of the virus”, the aforementioned immigration website said.
Other offices that are closed to the public have been published on the USCIS website as well. We advise you to check that link to know if the office where you have a scheduled appointment is currently closed.
USCIS rescheduling appointments due to the coronavirus
USCIS is rescheduling appointments because of the coronavirus outbreak. If you have become ill, no matter the reason, or if it is related to COVID-19 or not, they are asking you not to come to appointments with any USCIS office. You can follow these instructions to reschedule your appointment or interview if you:
- Have traveled internationally to any country outside the US within 14 days of your appointment;
- Believe that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 (even if you have not traveled internationally); or
- Are experiencing flu-like symptoms (such as a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat or fever).
You can also review some tips for travelers published by the Department of State here.
“We will help you reschedule your appointment without penalty when you are healthy”, the USCIS published. They also encourage you to monitor the USCIS office closings website to know the status of all offices.
Medicaid and coronavirus
Since February 24, the Public Charge rule went into effect and it has led many people from immigrant communities to avoid pursuing certain health benefits to avoid jeopardizing their own or their family’s immigration status.
“Under the rule, officials can deny Green Cards to immigrants if they currently use or might use government benefits. These benefits include Medicaid and other public health programs”, Immigration Impact explained. For this reason, 17 US attorneys general have asked the Department of Homeland Security to delay this rule during the coronavirus outbreak.
The US consulate in Mexico suspends visa process
Heraldo Mexico informed that the United States consulate in Mexico issued a statement where they inform that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with the guidelines of the Mexican government, they will suspend routine immigrant visa services as of Wednesday, March 18.
However, the embassy and the consulate in Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City will continue to be open for American citizens and for emergency visas, until further notice, depending on sanitary measures.
As for people who had interviews at the embassy and consulates, they will receive cancellation notices by email. “Only those seeking a nonimmigrant visa for emergency travel will be received”, the news said.
If you have questions about how this affects your immigration process and your status in the United States, contact and immigration attorney today. Kannan Law is in San Diego, California and you can get in touch here.
DISCLAIMER: This information was written on March 18, 2020. Please continue to check the news or our website for updates.