The Biden administration is expected to rescind many of the immigration policies of the past administration that adversely affected citizens of various countries. Here are some examples of the challenges facing the new administration as it relates to Iran, France and China.
Iran
The previous administration ordered that Iranian nationals and their dependents would not be eligible to adjust or extend a stay in either the E-1 or E-2 nonimmigrant visa status. This change was based on the termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity.
During the effective period of the trade treaty between the United States and Iran, Iranian nationals were eligible for E1 and E2 non-immigrant visas.
France
The previous administration announced, effective August 29, 2019, a reduction in the maximum validity of E visa stamps for French citizens. The dramatic departure from precedent reduced the visa’s duration from 60 months to only 15 months. The reduction was attributed to reciprocal treatment by the French government towards U.S. citizens.
The validity period was raised slightly and changed to 25 months, effective November of 2019.
China
On December 12, 2020, the previous administration decided to restrict entry into the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party, including their spouses and minor children. The new policy restricts those on either the B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visa to entry for only one month and as single-entry. Thus, a Chinese visa recipient must use the visa within one month of its issuance.
The former policy permitted all Chinese nationals, including members of the party, to receive 10-year visitor visas. The new policy, however, does not affect party eligibility for employment-based visas for party members.
The new policy is expected to adversely affect ordinary Chinese citizens who join the party merely to bolster their employment prospects and are not even remotely involved in government.
The Law Office of Miguel A. Serrano, based in Washington, D.C., provides expert immigration advice and total dedication to their clients. Iran, France and China represent special challenges for the new administration. As Business Immigration Lawyers, clients include employers and businesses, academics, scientists, artists and athletes from around the world. The firm represents many seeking an EB-1 visa, an L visa, O visa and an EB-2 for business start-ups. The firm also represents families seeking reunification with visas, residency applications and citizenship. With decades of experience, our firm can help your business solve the complex world of U.S. immigration law.