Executive Order Archives

Extreme Vetting at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Executive Order “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” directs federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, to re-establish enhanced vetting and screening processes for foreign nationals seeking a visa or immigration benefit of any kind. Agencies are to vet and screen visa applicants to the maximum degree possible, particularly foreign nationals applying and arriving from nations with identified security risks. It is expected that additional vetting and screening requirements will only add to increased wait times for visa clearances at U.S. embassies and consulates. The order further directs the administration to begin the process of restoring a potential travel ban within 60 days.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan Mandates Vaccines for Many Employees

On September 9, 2021, President Biden announced his six-pronged COVID-19 Action Plan, which will have a significant impact on employers across the country by mandating vaccinations for many employees. Many key details — including what exemptions may apply to mandatory vaccinations — remain unknown until additional federal guidance is provided in the upcoming weeks.”

Continue reading “President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan Mandates Vaccines for Many Employees”

U.S. Restricts Entry of Chinese Students and Researchers

On May 29, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order suspending the admission of Chinese nationals seeking entry to the U.S. with F-1 or J-1 visas if those visa holders have been affiliated with certain institutions tied to the Chinese military.

The order, which went into effect June 1, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, focuses primarily on the entry of Chinese nationals with J-1 or F-1 visas, meaning individuals not currently in the U.S. The order gives discretion to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement the order. This affects Chinese nationals who receive funding from, are now or were previously employed by, currently study or previously studied at, or currently conduct research at or on behalf of or previously conducted research at or on behalf of an institution that supports China’s “military-civil fusion strategy” who a) are seeking to apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, or b) already have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, are outside the U.S., and are seeking to enter the U.S. with that visa.

Continue reading “U.S. Restricts Entry of Chinese Students and Researchers”