With our mission to uncomplicate the complicated, we’ve always thought of our work in immigration as people-first. Our goal is for these updates to make sense of the changes happening across the world. Please share these updates with your colleagues who may find this information helpful, too.
US Updates
Biden Administration Will Turn Away Migrants at the Southern Border
In a press conference on Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the administration’s lack of time to “put in place a humane, comprehensive process for processing individuals who are coming to the border, now is not the time to come. The vast majority of people will be turned away.”
President Biden has left in place the Trump administration’s COVID order, Title 42, which permits US authorities to expel to Mexico people caught crossing the border illegally. The Biden administration is facing pressure to reverse the broad policies of former President Trump.
International Updates
Canada | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that “as of February 15, when you return to Canada through a land border, you’ll need to show a negative PCR test result from the past 72 hours.” This would be the same policy if you were flying into Canada.
The US and Canada land border is closed until at least February 21, though there are many exemptions.
Ireland | Prime Minister Michael Martin said he expected Ireland’s strict public health measures to remain until at least Easter, with some industry and academic restrictions easing.
Portgual | The government extended the second nationwide lockdown put in place in January until March 1.
We will continue to send updates daily or as more COVID-19-related news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or in past updates or want to hear more about a different topic, just reply to let us know. If you have specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.