On March 11, 2020, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation, effective at 11:59 p.m. EST on March 13, 2020, which prohibits the entry of most foreign nationals who traveled to European – Schengen Area countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the U.S. These restrictions will not apply to individuals on flights scheduled to arrive in the United States prior to 11:59 p.m. EST on March 13, 2020. The travel restrictions are planned to be in place for 30 days; however, the administration will revisit them regularly to address the quickly changing environment. The European countries affected are:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland.

Although these travel restrictions are far-reaching, there are significant exceptions, most notably:

  • U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents;
  • Spouses and other eligible immediate family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents;
  • U.S. Armed Forces members and their spouses and children;
  • Crew members traveling to the U.S. on air or sea vessels;
  • Diplomatic and U.N. representatives;
  • Any foreign nationals that would “further important United States law enforcement objectives” or whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or other relevant U.S. government entity.

The Department of Homeland Security intends to publish a supplemental Notice of Arrivals Restriction, which will require eligible passengers that have traveled to the affected Schengen areas to travel through selected airports, which will be equipped to administer enhanced screening procedures against COVID-19.

We will continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation. If any urgent travel plans arise, please contact your GT professional immediately.

For more information, see our earlier post, U.S. Immigration and Coronavirus Disease 2019 – Facts, Thoughts, Questions and Answers.

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Photo of Anna H. Morzy Anna H. Morzy

Anna H. Morzy has a comprehensive background in providing legal and policy guidance on fast-evolving immigration laws, regulations, and policies, and in the development and execution of complex, industry-tailored mobility programs.

With nearly 20 years of experience in her field, Anna has a

Anna H. Morzy has a comprehensive background in providing legal and policy guidance on fast-evolving immigration laws, regulations, and policies, and in the development and execution of complex, industry-tailored mobility programs.

With nearly 20 years of experience in her field, Anna has a deep understanding of immigration law and global mobility and their critical importance to businesses of all sizes and across varying industries. Her practice focuses on providing counsel to start-ups and established companies on the immigration compliance implications of expansions and mergers and acquisitions and on effective corporate mobility strategy. She provides comprehensive guidance for foreign national employees, evaluates and implements immigration policies, and seamlessly integrates effective mobility and compliance strategies with clients’ unique business models and goals.

Anna’s practice encompasses providing legal guidance on matters related to nonimmigrant visas, permanent residence, naturalization, compliance management and audit representation, EB-5 visas, E-Verify and I-9 programs, and ICE enforcement.

Anna also contributes significantly to the business and immigration community across Illinois. As a member of the Steering Committee of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, a former president of the Polish American Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the Polish Museum of America, she regularly works with top political officials in Illinois to ensure awareness and integration of immigrant communities and businesses. She is a prominent advocate for issues related to U.S. immigration law and the importance of attracting foreign direct investment to Illinois via immigrant-owned businesses and investments.

In addition, Anna is actively involved in immigration policy development through her participation on committees such as the American Jewish Committee/Ford Foundation Immigration Advocacy Project. As a native of Poland, she is fluent in both English and Polish and is personally and professionally a prominent member of Chicago’s Polish community.