Feb. 4 Update: Trump Bans Entry of Noncitizens Present in China During Prior 2 Weeks

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President Trump has issued a Jan. 31 proclamation barring entry to the U.S. of noncitizens present in China during the two weeks prior to attempting to enter the U.S.

CBP has issued a Feb. 4 Notification of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons Who Have Recently Traveled from or Were Otherwise Present Within the People’s Republic of China with further details.

And CBP has issued a Supplemental Notification.

Who is barred from entry?

Persons who are not citizens of the U.S. who have been physically present in China, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their attempted entry to the U.S.

Are there any exceptions?

The bar does not apply to the following:
(i) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
(ii) any alien who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident;
(iii) any alien who is the parent or legal guardian of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21;
(iv) any alien who is the sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21;
(v) any alien who is the child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
(vi) any alien traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus;
(vii) certain crewmembers;
(viii) certain foreign government officials, NATO officials, and their family members;
(ix) any alien whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the CDC Director, or his designee;
(x) any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives based on a recommendation of the Attorney General; or
(xi) any alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees.

When does the proclamation take effect?

This proclamation is effective at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on February 2, 2020.

What are the consequences of trying to circumvent this policy?

An alien who circumvents the application of this proclamation through fraud, willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or illegal entry shall be a priority for removal by the Department of Homeland Security.

Where will flights land if carrying persons who have recently been in China?

All flights carrying persons who have recently (i.e., within 14 days)
traveled from, or otherwise been present within, China, must land at one of the following airports:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York;
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois;
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California;
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington;
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii;
Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California; or
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan

Will people admitted to the U.S. be subject to medical screening or quarantine?

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all necessary and appropriate steps to regulate the travel of persons and aircraft to the United States to facilitate the orderly medical screening and, where appropriate, quarantine of persons who enter the United States and who may have been exposed to the virus.  Such steps may include directing air carriers to restrict and regulate the boarding of such passengers on flights to the United States.

How long will the ban last?

This proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the President.  The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, as circumstances warrant and no more than 15 days after the date of this order and every 15 days thereafter, recommend that the President continue, modify, or terminate this proclamation.

Read more from the administration’s Jan. 31 and Feb. 2 press briefings.

Also see:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Travelers from China Arriving in the United States

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