Executive Order Halts Immigration, Calls for Review of Nonimmigrant Programs

April 24, 2020

An executive order issuing a Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants was signed by President Trump on April 23, barring the issuance of new green card status for many individuals for a 60-day period. This group of people intending to immigrate to the U.S. who would be affected by the ban could include artists seeking permanent residency. Note that the executive order does not yet limit the nonimmigrant O and P visas in use by guest artists.

While the proclamation is set to expire in 60 days, the President has indicated he would review the executive order to determine if it should be renewed. Additionally, the proclamation states that within 30 days of the effective date, the Secretaries of Labor and Homeland Security will review nonimmigrant programs and recommend further action, which means changes to O and P artist visas could come under consideration.
 
The League of American Orchestras stands by our firm belief in the power of music to communicate across differences, express and animate the issues of our time, and advance international diplomacy and our democracy. While live concert performances are curtailed in the wake of COVID-19, U.S. visa and immigration policy must still support ongoing plans for future global arts activity. 
 
The League has joined dozens of national organizations seeking policy action to support artist visas (PDF) amid the COVID-19 crisis, offers technical assistance to orchestras who are mid-stream in the visa process and planning for future artistic partnerships, and hosts the definitive resource on navigating the U.S. visa process, www.artistsfromabroad.org, where you can find the latest news.