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AILA Doc. No. 20030201 | Dated April 27, 2020
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AILA Quicktake #285: AILA and Partners Sue EOIR and ICE Over Dangerous COVID-19 Policies
AILA Resources | Samples/Template Resources | Law Firm Planning Resources | AILA Correspondence and Advocacy Resources | Partner Resources | Government Announcements and Alerts | Congressional Efforts | Litigation | Media Coverage | Other Documents and Resources
| Date | Announcement |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2020 | CBP Extends Temporary Closure of Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment Centers |
| April 22, 2020 | CBP Notice of Continuation of Temporary Travel Restrictions for Land Ports of Entry Between U.S. and Canada (85 FR 22352, 4/22/20) |
| April 22, 2020 | CBP Notice of Continuation of Temporary Travel Restrictions for Land Ports of Entry Between U.S. and Mexico (85 FR 22353, 4/22/20) |
| April 17, 2020 | CBP Announces That VWP Entrants May Apply for Extended Term of Admission |
| March 30, 2020 | BuzzFeed News reporter Hamed Aleaziz shared that administration officials confirmed that the CDC order that bars the entry of those who cross into the country without authorization is being applied to unaccompanied minors and that, therefore, unaccompanied minors are also subject to be “expelled” upon encounter. |
| March 24, 2020 | CBP Notice of Temporary Travel Restrictions for Land Ports of Entry Between U.S. and Canada (85 FR 16548, 3/24/20) |
| March 24, 2020 | CBP Notice of Temporary Travel Restrictions for Land Ports of Entry Between U.S. and Mexico (85 FR 16547, 3/24/20) |
| March 23, 2020 | San Diego Tribune reporter Kate Morrissey shared that CBP San Diego stated on a press call that there is a 48 hour suspension of MPP returnees crossing for court hearings that started the morning of March 23, 2020. |
| March 19, 2020 | Notification of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons Recently Present in the UK or Ireland (85 FR 15714, 3/19/20) |
| March 18, 2020 | CBP is temporarily suspending operations at Trusted Traveler Program enrollment centers nationwide from March 19, 2020, until at least May 1, 2020. This temporary closure includes all public access Global Entry enrollment centers, NEXUS enrollment centers, SENTRI enrollment centers, and FAST enrollment locations. |
| March 17, 2020 | Notification of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons Who Have Recently Traveled From or Were Otherwise Present Within the Countries of the Schengen Area (85 FR 15059, 3/17/20) |
| March 13, 2020 | Posted on the ESTA website: In accordance with Proclamation—Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus, effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020, the entry into the United States is suspended for most individuals, other than United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, who have been physically present within a Schengen Area country within 14 days of travel to the United States. Any traveler with a valid ESTA who is subject to the Proclamation and who attempts to travel the United States in violation of the Proclamation will have their ESTA canceled. ESTA will not refund applications that are canceled due to this Proclamation. Travelers who have questions about whether they are subject to, or exempted from, the Proclamation should refer to the Proclamation language, and consult with the U.S. Department of State and the air carrier, as appropriate, in advance of travel to avoid travel disruptions. Proclamation 9984 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Other Appropriate Measures To Address This Risk) and Proclamation 9992 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus) remain in effect. |
| March 13, 2020 | CBP provided guidance to its Carrier Liaison Program on the presidential proclamation suspending entry of foreign nationals, with certain exceptions, who were present in the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States, as well as information on DHS's arrival restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, LPRs, and immediate family members returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran, including a list of designated airports for flights carrying these individuals. Guidance is effective on March 13, 2020, at 11:59 pm (ET). |
| March 13, 2020 | Texas Public Radio reporter Reynaldo Leaños Jr. shared a statement from CBP on the treatment of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol between the ports of entry.
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| March 4, 2020 | Notice of Arrival Restrictions on Flights Carrying Persons Recently Traveled From China or Iran (85 FR 12731, 3/4/20) |
| February 7, 2020 | Notification of Additional Airports for Flights Carrying Persons Who Have Recently Traveled from or Were Otherwise Present within the People’s Republic of China (85 FR 7214, 2/7/20) |
| February 4, 2020 | Notice of Arrival Restrictions on Flights Carrying Persons Recently Present in China (85 FR 6044, 2/4/20) |
| February 2, 2020 | DHS Issues Instructions for Inbound Flights with Individuals Who Have Been in China |
| Date | Announcement |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2020 | CDC Order Extending Suspension of Introduction of Certain Persons Through Land Ports of Entry (85 FR 22424, 4/22/20) |
| March 24, 2020 | Notification of CDC Order Suspending the Introduction of Persons from a Country Where Communicable Disease Exists (85 FR 16567, 3/24/20) |
| March 20, 2020 | CDC Order Suspending Introduction of Certain Persons Through Land Ports of Entry |
| March 5, 2020 | CDC Guidance for Travelers from China and Iran Arriving in the United States |
Check EOIR's website for the latest information on specific immigration court's operating status.
Last updated at April 21, 9:30 am (ET):
| Date | Announcement | ||||||
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| April 22, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 22, 2020, at 7:25 pm (ET) that " The Atlanta - Ted Turner Immigration Court will be closed tomorrow. Please visit EOIR’s website for the most updated information about the agency’s operational status nationwide." EOIR also linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic, in the Tweet. | ||||||
| April 21, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 21, 2020, at 8:30 am (ET) that "Hearings in non-detained cases are postponed through May 15, 2020." EOIR also sent this update via email on April 21, 2020, at 8:31 am (ET). | ||||||
| April 20, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 20, 2020, at 5:48 pm (ET) that “Due to the closure of the Robert Nix Federal Building and Courthouse, the Philadelphia Immigration Court is closed tomorrow. For updates related to EOIR’s operations nationwide, please visit the agency’s website.” EOIR also linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic, in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 20, 2020, at 5:47 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 15, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 15, 2020, at 11:14 pm (ET) that “The Chicago Immigration Court will be closed tomorrow, April 16.” EOIR also sent this update via email on April 15, 2020, at 11:15 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 13, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 13, 2020, at 3:25 pm (ET) that “Due to inclement weather, the LaSalle Immigration Court closed at 2:00pm CT today.” EOIR also sent this update via email on April 13, 2020, at 3:26 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 13, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 13, 2020, at 1:50 pm (ET) that “The Otay Mesa Immigration Court is closed. All filings should be directed to the San Diego Immigration Court. For EOIR's operational status nationwide, please visit the website.” EOIR also linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 13, 2020, at 1:51 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 10, 2020 |
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| April 9, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 9, 2020, at 2:31 pm (ET) that “The Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer is now accepting filing of new complaints by email. For guidelines and more information, please see EOIR’s website.” EOIR also linked to a new page, Filing by Email – Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 9, 2020, at 2:31 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 8, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 8, 2020, at 6:57 pm (ET) that “The Detroit Immigration Court will be closed tomorrow, April 9, 2020, due to a cleaning by the General Services Administration. For information about EOIR’s operational status nationwide, please visit our website.” EOIR also linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 8, 2020, at 6:56 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 8, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 8, 2020, at 10:02 am (ET) that “The Elizabeth Immigration Court is closed today, April 8, 2020. Please check EOIR’s website for operational status updates.“ EOIR also linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 8, 2020, at 9:09 am (ET). | ||||||
| April 8, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 8, 2020, at 10:01 am (ET) that “The Chicago Immigration Court remains open for detained hearings, but all filings should be temporarily be directed to the satellite location at 536 S. Clark St., Room 340. Please check EOIR’s website for operational status updates.” EOIR also linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 8, 2020, at 10:02 am (ET). | ||||||
| April 7, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 7, 2020, at 12:02 pm (ET) that “The BIA is now accepting certain filings by email. For guidelines and more information, please visit EOIR’s website.” EOIR also linked to a new page, Filing by Email – Board of Immigration Appeals in the Tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 7, 2020, at 12:01 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 6, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 6, 2020, at 8:10 pm (ET) that "The Florence Immigration Court is closed, but cases will be heard by VTC from the Phoenix Immigration Court. Filings for those cases should be made to the Phoenix Immigration Court. For operational status updates nationwide, visit EOIR’s website.” In the Tweet, EOIR linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 6, 2020, at 8:09 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 5, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 5, 2020, at 9:50 pm (ET) that "The Miami and New Orleans Immigration Courts will be closed tomorrow.” In the Tweet, EOIR linked to its page, EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 5, 2020 at 9:49 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 3, 2020 | EOIR published a new policy memo on April 3, 2020, PM 20-11, containing updated policies for signatures on documents filed with the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals. | ||||||
| April 4, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 3, 2020, at 6:53 pm (ET) that "The San Juan Immigration Court is closed on Monday, April 6, 2020." EOIR also sent this update via email on April 3, 2020, at 6:53 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 2, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 2, 2020, at 8:13 pm (ET) that “The New Orleans Immigration Court will be closed tomorrow, April 3, 2020." EOIR also sent this update via email on April 2, 2020, at 8:10 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 2, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 2, 2020, at 8:22 pm (ET) that "The Conroe Immigration Court will be closed on April 3, 2020." EOIR also sent this update via email on April 2, 2020, at 8:19 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 2, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 2, 2020, at 8:27 pm (ET) that "The Boston Immigration Court will be closed tomorrow, April 3, 2020." EOIR also sent this update via email on April 2, 2020, at 8:26 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 1, 2020 |
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| April 1, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 1, 2020, at 10:10 pm (ET) that "Due to a report of secondhand exposure to coronavirus, the Conroe Immigration Court is closed tomorrow, April 2, 2020. Though email or mail filings are preferred, a hearing location in Houston will accept in-person filings." EOIR also provided a link to the Houston Service Processing Center in the tweet. EOIR also sent this update via email on April 1, 2020, at 10:09 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 1, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 1, 2020, at 11:51 pm (ET) that "Due to a report of the presence of an individual with a test-confirmed coronavirus diagnosis, the New Orleans Immigration Court will be closed tomorrow. While filing by email or mail is preferred, the Oakdale Immigration Court will accept filings." EOIR also sent this update via email on April 1, 2020, at 11:52 pm (ET). | ||||||
| April 1, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on April 1, 2020, at 11:01 am (ET) that “Due to the pandemic and new CDC guidelines, MPP hearings scheduled through May 1, 2020, have been postponed. Individuals should present themselves on previously scheduled date to receive tear sheets and hearing notices with new hearing dates.” EOIR also linked to EOIR’s Operational Status page in the Tweet. | ||||||
| April 1, 2020 | DHS and EOIR Postpone MPP Hearings Scheduled Through May 1, 2020
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| March 31, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 31, 2020, at 7:37 pm (ET) that “The Krome Immigration Court will remain closed on April 1, 2020." EOIR also sent this update via email on March 31, 2020 at 7:34 pm (ET). | ||||||
| March 31, 2020 |
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| March 30, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 30, 2020, at 7:36 pm (ET) that “Hearings in non-detained cases are postponed through May 1, 2020." The Tweet linked to EOIR’s operational page. EOIR also sent this update via email on March 30, 2020 at 7:35 pm (ET). | ||||||
| March 30, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 30, 2020, at 10:08 am (ET) that "Due to the closure of the Department of Homeland Security's Elizabeth Detention Center, the Elizabeth Immigration Court is closed. Visit EOIR’s website for the latest operational status of courts nationwide." https://www.justice.gov/eoir/eoir-operational-status-during-coronavirus-pandemic. EOIR also sent this update via email on March 30, 2020, at 10:04 am (ET). | ||||||
| March 30, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 30, 2020, at 7:50 am (ET) that "Immigration court hearings at the Department of Homeland Security’s Krome Service Processing Center are postponed for March 30 and 31." EOIR also sent this update via email on March 30, 2020, at 7:50 am (ET). | ||||||
| March 26, 2020 | EOIR Email Sent to Stakeholders Announcing New Listserv and the Latest Information on Current EOIR Operations (Sent on March 26, 2020, at 9:15 pm (ET)) | ||||||
| March 26, 2020 | EOIR Statement on Current Operations (Sent on March 26, 2020 at 9:10pm ET) | ||||||
| March 26, 2020 | EOIR announced via twitter on March 26, 2020, at 8:40 pm (ET) that "As a precautionary measure, the Bloomington and San Francisco-Montgomery Street courts will be closed tomorrow.” EOIR also sent this update via email on March 26, 2020 at 9:47 pm (ET). | ||||||
| March 26, 2020 | EOIR announced via twitter on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 10:38 am (ET) that “The Charlotte Immigration Court will reopen on Monday only for filings and for any bond hearings.” | ||||||
| March 25, 2020 | EOIR updated its EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic. See chart below:
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| March 25, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 25, 2020, at 9:23 pm (ET) that "The Newark and Seattle immigration courts reopen tomorrow. Filings due during the closure are due March 30, 2020.” | ||||||
| March 25, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 25, 2020, at 5:49 pm (ET) that "As a precautionary measure, the Aurora, Baltimore, and La Salle immigration courts will be closed tomorrow." | ||||||
| March 24, 2020 |
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| March 24, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 24, 2020, at 2:36 pm (ET) that "Due to a report of the presence of an individual with a test-confirmed coronavirus diagnosis, the Elizabeth Immigration Court will be closed for the rest of the day." | ||||||
| March 23, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 23, 2020, at 10:50 pm (ET) that "Following notice of a person with a confirmed case of coronavirus in EOIR space, the New York - Varick Immigration Court is closed tomorrow." | ||||||
| March 23, 2020 | Joint DHS/EOIR Statement on MPP Rescheduling: Due to circumstances resulting from COVID-19, all Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) master calendar and merit hearings presently scheduled through April 22 will be rescheduled. Neither the MPP program nor any hearings will be cancelled. Any individual with an MPP hearing date through April 22 should present themselves at their designated port of entry on their previously scheduled date to receive a tear sheet and hearing notice containing their new hearing dates. DHS and EOIR are deeply committed to ensuring that individuals ‘have their day in court’ while also ensuring the health and safety of aliens, our frontline officers, immigration court professionals, and our citizens. |
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| March 23, 2020 | San Diego Tribune reporter Kate Morrissey shared that CBP San Diego stated on a press call that there is a 48 hour suspension of MPP returnees crossing for court hearings that started the morning of March 23, 2020. | ||||||
| March 22, 2020 | At 6:20 pm (ET), ICE communicated to AILA that, generally, only those conducting in-person contact visits need personal protective equipment (PPE) (UNLESS a particular facility has more restrictive rules), but that AILA members should still check with the facility on their individual policy. | ||||||
| March 21, 2020 | ICE added language to its COVID-19 guidance stating that “ICE/ERO now requires all legal visitors, CODELs, and STAFFDELs to provide and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (disposable vinyl gloves, N-95 or surgical masks, and eye protection) while visiting any detention facility.” Local ICE offices have reached out to some chapters directly with similar guidance and have stated that visitors will have to provide the PPE themselves. It appears that this requirement will apply to courts operated by DHS and located in detention centers. There is no indication at this time that this requirement would apply to courts operated by EOIR and outside of detention centers. | ||||||
| March 20, 2020 | EOIR Defers All Non-Detained Cases Until April 10, 2020, Due to COVID-19 | ||||||
| March 20, 2020 | EOIR announced via twitter on March 20, 2020, at 10:25 am (ET) - "Clarifying - Due to closure of the building in which it is housed, the Denver Immigration Court is closed. Filing available through ECAS; if not represented, filings will be timely if received on March 23, 2020, when the building is expected to reopen." | ||||||
| March 20, 2020 | EOIR announced via twitter on March 20, 2020, at 10:12 am (ET) that "The Denver Immigration Court will be closed today, March 20." | ||||||
| March 19, 2020 | The National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ) shared a letter from EOIR on Twitter that provided the following guidance:
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| March 19, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 19, 2020, at 9:18 am (ET) that "Due to GSA building closure, the Denver Immigration Court will be closed today, March 19." See GSA sign. | ||||||
| March 18, 2020 | The Hartford Immigration Court added a new Standing Order to its page. | March 18, 2020 | EOIR issued a memo (PM-20-10, Immigration Court Practices During the Declared National Emergency Concerning the COVID-19 Outbreak) with guidance on immigration court practices during the COVID-19 outbreak, including a note that effective 3/18/20, EOIR deferred hearings for all non-detained cases until 4/10/20. On March 19, 2020, EOIR issued an addendum to PM-2010. | ||||
| March 18, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 18, 2020, at 4:42 pm (ET) that “Emergency filing locations for the closed immigration courts are for emergencies only. Filings due during the closures will be considered timely filed if received on the courts next business day. Deadlines for open courts remain.” | ||||||
| March 17, 2020 | The York Immigration Court added a new Standing Order to its page. | ||||||
| March 17, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 17, 2020, at 11:55 pm (ET) that “Effective March 18 all non-detained hearings postponed: these immigration courts closed: ATL Peachtree, Charlotte; HOU Gessner; Louisville; Memphis; NYC, Broadway & Fed Plaza; Newark; Sacramento; LOS – Olive. Check website for updates.” Also see EOIR issued a statement released on March 18, 2020, at 12:30 am (ET). | ||||||
| March 17, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 17, 2020, at 11:52 pm (ET) that “The case info hotline and online application may not be updated for cases postponed due to operational changes during the pandemic. Information will be updated upon issuance of a new hearing notice. Court documents remain the official source of info.” | ||||||
| March 16, 2020 | The Baltimore Immigration Court added a new Standing Order to its page –
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| March 15, 2020 | EOIR announced via Twitter on March 15, 2020, at 10:49 pm (ET) that “all non-detained aliens' master calendar hearings scheduled 03/16-04/10 are postponed. Usual operations for filings except Seattle. All other hearings proceeding.”
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| March 13, 2020 | Yahoo News reporter Caitlin Dickson shared a statement from an EOIR spokesperson on EOIR’s response to COVID-19.
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| March 13, 2020 | EOIR released a statement announcing that the Seattle Immigration Court is closed through April 10, 2020. The following courts will remain open, but postpone non-detained master calendar hearings: Boston, Los Angeles (North Los Angeles, Olive, Van Nuys), Newark, New York City (Broadway; Federal Plaza; Varick), Sacramento, and San Francisco. | ||||||
| March 13, 2020 | The Seattle Immigration Court is closed on March 13. Filings due during this closure will be considered timely filed if received on the court’s next business day. Emergency filings may be filed with the Tacoma Immigration Court during the Seattle closure. | ||||||
| March 12, 2020 | EOIR Director James McHenry sent AILA's EOIR Liaison Committee the following statement:
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| March 12, 2020 and March 11, 2020 | The Seattle Immigration Court was closed on March 12 and on March 11. |
| Date | Announcement |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2020 | HHS Request for Comments on COVID-19 Risk Questionnaire for Staff and Visitors at UAC Programs (85 FR 16636, 3/24/20) |
| March 24, 2020 | HHS Interim Final Rule Allowing CDC to Suspend Introduction of Persons from Designated Countries or Places (85 FR 16559, 3/24/20) |
| March 9, 2020 | CQ Roll Call’s Tanvi Misra received a response from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on how it is approaching potential COVID-19 cases among children in its custody.
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| Date | Announcement |
|---|---|
| April 10, 2020 | ICE ERO Releases COVID-19 Pandemic Response Requirements for ICE Detention Facilities |
| March 26, 2020 | SEVP Provides Guidance on New Electronic Form I-20 Issuance During COVID-19 Outbreak |
| March 24, 2020 | SEVP Issues Broadcast Message on COVID-19 News and Updates |
| March 24, 2020 | A 31-year-old Mexican national in ICE custody at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, New Jersey, has tested positive for COVID-19. |
| March 23, 2020 | ICE Issues an FAQ for SEVP Stakeholders Regarding COVID-19 |
| March 22, 2020 | At 6:20 pm (ET), ICE communicated to AILA that, generally, only those conducting in-person contact visits need personal protective equipment (PPE) (UNLESS a particular facility has more restrictive rules), but that AILA members should still check with the facility on their individual policy. |
| March 21, 2020 | ICE added language to its COVID-19 guidance stating that “ICE/ERO now requires all legal visitors, CODELs, and STAFFDELs to provide and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (disposable vinyl gloves, N-95 or surgical masks, and eye protection) while visiting any detention facility.” Local ICE offices have reached out to some chapters directly with similar guidance and have stated that visitors will have to provide the PPE themselves. It appears that this requirement will apply to courts operated by DHS and located in detention centers. There is no indication at this time that this requirement would apply to courts operated by EOIR and outside of detention centers. |
| March 18, 2020 | ICE issued guidance on how it is handling COVID-19. ICE will temporarily adjust its enforcement posture beginning March 18, 2020. with ERO focused on enforcement on public safety risks and individuals subject to mandatory detention based on criminal grounds. For those individuals who do not fall into those categories, ERO will exercise discretion to delay enforcement actions until after the crisis or utilize alternatives to detention, as appropriate. ICE notes that, "Consistent with its sensitive locations policy, during the COVID-19 crisis, ICE will not carry out enforcement operations at or near health care facilities, such as hospitals, doctors' offices, accredited health clinics, and emergent or urgent care facilities, except in the most extraordinary of circumstances. Individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement." ICE notes that as of 3/17/20, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in ICE detention facilities and is screening new detainees. ICE has temporarily suspended social visitation but non-contact legal visitations will continue to be permitted. |
| March 16, 2020 | AILA’s Local ICE Liaisons received a notice that all ICE check-in appointments in Atlanta are postponed until the week of April 13, 2020. If you are scheduled to report between now and then, please wait and report to ICE between April 14 – 16, 2020. Note: As of now that guidance is only for the people that are handed the actual slip of paper. |
| March 16, 2020 | A representative from AILA’s Ohio Chapter received a notice that the ICE-ERO Ohio office is “ceasing all office check ins.” |
| March 13, 2020 | ICE Releases COVID-19 Guidance for SEVP Stakeholders |
| March 13, 2020 | BuzzFeed News reporter Hamed Aleaziz shared the news that ICE is suspending "social visitation" at all of its detention facilities across the US to prevent any transmission of coronavirus. Legal visits will still be allowed. |
| March 13, 2020 | ICE issued a statement on its response to COVID-19. Statement includes an announcement that ICE is “temporarily suspending social visitation in all detention facilities.” |
| March 12, 2020 | Officials at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, are allowing visiting hours for attorneys in "non-contact visiting areas" only. Attorneys will be able to visit their clients M-F from 8:00 am-10:15 am and from 6:00 pm until the last request. The non-contact visiting rooms are typical of visiting rooms in a county jail (thick glass between attorney and client). Officers can take documents back and forth from attorney to client. (Courtesy Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez) |
| March 12, 2020 | Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided NAFSA with the following statement: “SEVP is committed to remaining flexible in allowing schools to make temporary procedural adaptations so nonimmigrant students can continue to make normal forward progress in their program of study. They can temporarily engage in distance-learning, either from within the U.S. or outside the country, in light of COVID-19. SEVP will provide updated guidance as the scope and length of this situation becomes more clear.” |
| March 10, 2020 | CQ Roll Call’s Tanvi Misra received a response from ICE on how it is approaching potential COVID-19 threat in its detention centers.
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| March 9, 2020 | SEVP Issues Broadcast Message on COVID-19 and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Students |
| March 6, 2020 | ICE Releases Interim Reference Sheet on 2019-Novel Coronavirus |
| March 4, 2020 | ICE-ERO Temporary Closes Seattle Field Office Due to Possible COVID-19 Exposure
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| January 29, 2020 | SEVP Issues Broadcast Message on 2019 Novel Coronavirus and F and M Nonimmigrants |
| Date | Announcement |
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| April 10, 2020 | President Memorandum on Visa Sanctions President Trump issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of State to impose visa sanctions pursuant to section 243(d) of the INA on any foreign country that denies or delays the acceptance of its citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents after being asked to accept them, and if such denial or delay is impeding DHS operations necessary to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. |
| March 18, 2020 | Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus (UK and Ireland) (85 FR 15341, 3/18/20) On 3/14/20, President Trump issued a proclamation that, with some exemptions, suspends and limits the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of individuals who were physically present within the UK and Ireland during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry. |
| March 16, 2020 | Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus (85 FR 15045, 3/16/20) President Trump issued a proclamation, effective 11:59 pm (ET) on 3/13/20, that with some exemptions, suspends and limits the entry, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of individuals who were physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry. |
| March 4, 2020 | Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus (85 FR 12855, 3/4/20) President Trump issued a proclamation that, with some exceptions, suspends and limits entry into the U.S., as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of persons who were physically present in Iran during the 14-day period preceding their entry/attempted entry. |
| February 5, 2020 | Presidential Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus (85 FR 6709, 2/5/20) President Trump issued a proclamation on 1/31/20 suspending and limiting entry into the U.S. as immigrants or nonimmigrants of all individuals who were physically present within the People’s Republic of China during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry. |
USICS Office Closings Webpage (**Please check this page for the latest updates on USCIS office clsoures**)
USCIS Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
USCIS’s Response to the 2019 Coronavirus
USCIS Special Situations Webpage
Cite as AILA Doc. No. 20030201.
Discuss this global pandemic with your fellow members. What are you seeing at your local USCIS office, what visa offices are closed, how is your office handling, and more.
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AILA's Practice & Professionalism Center has gathered resources to help you protect yourself and your practice from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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AILA provides first-person accounts of how COVID-19 is impacting the practice of immigration law.
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American Immigration Lawyers Association.
