Serotte Law Firm Statement on the President’s Proclamation on a Travel Ban from the Schengen Area of Europe
Know the Facts. Reduce the Fear.
On March 11, 2020 President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation suspending the entry of certain Immigrants and Nonimmigrants based on their risk of transmitting the coronavirus.
Here are some FAQs based on the key facts from that Proclamation.
When does the ban take effect?
The temporary travel ban is not in effect one (1) minute before midnight eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020. Travel starting March 14 will be impacted.
Who is affected?
The ban applies to certain people who were physically present in the Schengen Area within the past 14 days prior to travel. You are not affected solely by your citizenship status.
What countries are in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area comprises 26 European states: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes. Exemptions include: (1) U.S citizens; (2) U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents; (3) any alien who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; (4) 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; (5) 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; (6) 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; (7) any alien traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus; (8) any alien whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC Director or his designee; (9) members of the U.S. Armed Forces and spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces.