Coronavirus Update: Attorneys file Emergency Motion to Halt in-person Immigration Hearings

On Wednesday, immigration advocates and attorneys filed an emergency motion to a federal judge to temporarily halt in-person court hearings for detained immigrants. The motion argued that continuing to hold in person court hearings during the coronavirus pandemic is unnecessarily endangering the participants.

So far, DOJ have closed 11 immigration courts across the country through April 10. All hearings of cases of immigrants who are not in detention have been postponed. Immigration judges, lawyers, and prosecutors have expressed their frustrations on the DOJ’s slowness to act. They have urged DOJ to close more courts for the safety of themselves and the immigrants. There are an another approximately 60 courthouses across the nation that are still currently operating. There is currently no decision on the motion yet, in-person meetings are still held until further notice.

Please click here if you want to read more how Covid-19 impacts your visa.

Please click here if you want to find out how Covid-19 impacts the obligations of an H-1B or E-3 employee.

You can find key immigration information related to the Corona Virus below.

• Top 10 Covid-19 Immigration Questions
• Implications of Layoffs for employers who have employees on H-1B and/or E-3 Visas
• USCIS announces flexibility for request for evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
• Information on Consular closures during Covid-19
• USCIS issues guidance on Remote 1-9 verification during Covid-19
• USCIS office closures due to Covid-19
• Can I apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits while on a Visa?
• Canada/U.S. Border Closures
• USCIS announces temporary suspension of premium processing
• What can you do if your ESTA is running out? 
• Travel Ban for Europe
• Stimulus Bill (All 800 pages)
• Information on Small Business Loans related to the Stimulus package
• USCIS to accept scanned/reproduced signatures instead of “wet” signatures on immigration petitions and forms
• Implications of furlough or termination if you are on a TN visa
• Does the Stimulus Bill impact my immigration status? Is there a public charge concern?
• Understanding the Stimulus Package for Small Businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program
• Small Business Administration COVID-19 Loans
• USCIS to Reuse Previously Submitted Biometrics to Process Work Permit Applications
• USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at least May 3
• SBA Loans and Public Charge Rules – Paychecks Loan Program and Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loan Program
• I am in the U.S. on H-1B visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. 
• I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa, can I apply for loans under the Stimulus Bill?
• Does Covid-19 impact my obligations as an H-1B or E-3 Employer?
• I am in the U.S. on E-2 employee visa. Can I apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus?