THE LOGAN FIRM, P.C. continues to operate during the COVID-19 crisis. Our staff is working remotely, with all client meetings being conducted by phone or video conference.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 303-494-5209 if you have any questions or concerns about your case, or to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
Due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States, federal, state, and local governments have implemented several restrictions and office closures which could have an impact on your case. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding any of the following announcements.
Trump Executive Order Halts Issuance of Certain Immigrant Visas Abroad
On April 22, 2020, the Trump administration issued an executive order to halt the issuance of immigrant visas for certain individuals who are outside of the United States for 60 days. In practice, this has little effect as most, if not all, U.S. consulates and embassies abroad have ceased issuing visas for the time being due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order does not include individuals applying for lawful permanent residency in the U.S. In addition, it does not affect children or spouses of U.S. citizens or those who have a valid immigrant visa. For a list of other exceptions, please see the executive order at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/.
Several lawsuits have been filed to enjoin the government from stopping the issuance of immigrant visas once the consulates and embassies reopen.
Department of State (DOS) and consular posts abroad:
Effective March 18, 2020, the U.S. Embassy, nine Consulates General, and nine Consular Agencies in Mexico have suspended routine consular services with no projected date of reopening. Immigrant and Nonimmigrant visa appointments have been canceled as of this date.
Many, if not most consular posts abroad have suspended immigrant visa and nonimmigrant visa processing. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html for a list of country specific updates.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
On March 18, 2020 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily suspended routine in-person services to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In person interviews and biometrics (fingerprinting) appointments have been cancelled. USCIS plans on reopening on June 4, 2020, unless closures are further extended. USCIS will send notices to reschedule cancelled appointments.
Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR):
All non-detained master calendar and individual hearings and MPP hearings scheduled through May 15, 2020 have been postponed. EOIR will reschedule cancelled hearings.
The courts remains open to receive important filings and document submissions.
Hearings for detained individuals are being held as scheduled.
Travel through the Northern and Southern Borders:
On March 20, 2020, the United States, Canada, and Mexico announced that the land borders that Canada and Mexico share with the United States would be closed to non-essential travel. For more details, see: https://www.aila.org/advo-media/aila-practice-pointers-and-alerts/practice-alert-closing-of-northern-and-southern. The closure has been extended through May 20, 2020.