1/ A few quick notes on Trump's desperate move today to suspend most non-immigrant labor visas, starting with this:
It's a proclamation, not an executive order.
Is there a difference? Not really! Does it matter? No. Trump sure does love his proclamations though!
It's a proclamation, not an executive order.
Is there a difference? Not really! Does it matter? No. Trump sure does love his proclamations though!
2/ First, the suspension of new immigrant visas (the basis for greencards) from April is extended, bc nothing says "we love immigrants, so long as they do it the right way!" like slamming the door on the "right way" for people who have already been waiting for months, if not yrs
3/ This thing is in effect until the end of 2020, at which point the administration is delusionally "assuming the conclusion of the economic contraction" even as we're facing down the barrel of a second wave, record mass unemployment, and an economy in freefall
4/ And it is, of course, open-ended. Could he try to extend it all the way through a second term?
Let's maybe do what we can to not find out.
Let's maybe do what we can to not find out.
6/ TO CLARIFY: this only applies to people OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES who do not already have a visa in hand
6/ TO CLARIFY: this only applies to people OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES who do not already have a visa in hand
7/ This order does NOT apply to current greencard holders, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, or the seasonal agricultural workers who are the only thing between my comfortable urban life and starvation
7/ And remember that the "national interest" exception to these bans have been interpreted broadly on behalf of Trump's friends, including perpetual loser Nigel Farage
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…
9/ Here's something Trump loves doing in his EOs: pretending that he is ordering the government to do something which it is already required to do.
In this case, verifying that issuance of the visa doesn't disadvantage American workers.
That's been the law since 1965.
In this case, verifying that issuance of the visa doesn't disadvantage American workers.
That's been the law since 1965.
10/ lol speaking of
This is exactly what we already do
This is exactly what we already do
11/ This one appears to be illegal on its face, but probably only because (as usual) it's so poorly drafted. By law, people with removal orders already have a discretionary right to apply for a work permit, but this and the rest seems pretty questionable. Need more info here.
12/ That last bit would seem at least relate to this new rule, also confirmed today, which will try to restrict access to work permits for a lot of people in statuses less solid than residency
13/ This whole thing is a major blow to tech companies, research labs, universities, Wall Street, and many other places which have successfully integrated foreign talent into their daily operations. It could ultimately hurt more Americans than it helps.
14/ Here in #NewEngland, the suspension of #J1 & #H2B programs is going to be *murderous* for places like #Nantucket & (my personal favorite) #BlockIsland which have been totally unable to get local help to live on-site & meet demanding seasonal hours
providencejournal.com/news/20170504/…
providencejournal.com/news/20170504/…
15/ This is a crude swing at the bleachers aimed at the very small portion of the American public still with Trump after four disastrous years of incompetence, ineptitude, bad faith, and outright lies. It's going to rightfully piss off a lot of very powerful people. Also, me.
16/ (Obligatory addendum that nothing above should be read or construed as legal advice and that although my office handles employment-based immigration it is not a regular part of my personal caseload)
CORRECTION: I was putting this out as quickly as possible and phrased that badly. To be more clear (as covered below) it only applies to visa applicants outside the U.S. who have not yet physically received their visas, so that should have read "suspended visas in process"
