On October 1, 2020, a federal judge in the Northern District of California issued a limited preliminary injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from enforcing President Trump's June 22 proclamation suspending the entry into the United States of certain H-1B, L-1, H-2B, and J-1 nonimmigrants, and their dependents. 

On its face, the limited injunction only benefits the plaintiffs and organizations that are parties to the case and members of plaintiff trade groups.
 

WHY THIS MATTERS 

Unless overturned on appeal, foreign nationals sponsored by the plaintiffs or plaintiff member organizations needing visas to enter the United States for employment or to fulfil work-related assignments, should be able to apply for H, L or J visas at U.S. consulates and enter the United States while the June 22 entry ban remains in effect. The limited injunction however does not change the application of the ongoing regional COVID-19 travel restrictions on travelers from the Schengen area, People's Republic of China, Iran, Brazil, the U.K. and Ireland, which continue to prevent many from seeking admission to the United States. 

Background 

On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued a presidential proclamation suspending the entry of H-1B, H-2B, L-1A, L-1B, certain J-1s, and their dependents and spouses through December 31, 2020. 

Source: KPMG