White House Releases Proclamation Revoking Immigrant Visa Bans

President Biden has revoked Proclamation 10014 of April 22, 2020 (Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak), as extended by section 1 of Proclamation 10052 of June 22, 2020 and section 1 of Proclamation 10131 of December 31, 2020, which continued the suspension of entry of certain immigrants until March 31, 2021. U.S. consulates did not issue employment-based, family-based, and Diversity Lottery immigrant visas, with limited exceptions, throughout this period. Proclamation 10014, section 1 of Proclamation 10052, and section 1 of Proclamation 10131 are revoked effective today, February 24, 2021.

President Biden’s Proclamation instructs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to review any regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, and any other similar agency actions developed pursuant to Proclamation 10014 and, as appropriate, issue revised guidance consistent with the policy set forth in the new proclamation.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates are still operating at reduced capacity and began a phased resumption of routine visa services in January 2021. See each U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for information regarding operating status and which services are offered.

At this time, Proclamation 10052, Suspension of Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak, as extended by Proclamation 10131 of December 31, 2020, is still effective until March 31, 2021, as applied to the suspension of entry of certain foreign nationals in the H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and specific J-1 categories, as well as corresponding categories for dependents.