How Has The COVID-19 Pandemic affected Immigration in the U.S.?

How Has The COVID-19 Pandemic affected Immigration in the U.S.?

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted civilian lives internationally, yet the most devastation is undeniably recognized on the margins of society. The coronavirus is a worldwide health crisis that has revealed a countrywide social issue: Inequality in America. Certain groups are inexcusably marginalized in our country, making them especially vulnerable in times of worldwide catastrophe. Immigrants are the quintessence of these social disparities, representing a group that has been socially and civilly relegated in our nation. 

COVID-19 may serve as a call to action for reform of the immigration system in America. The pandemic has taken a toll on humanity as a whole, as well as made clear the ways in which a global crisis more deeply effects marginalized groups, in particularly immigrants. This article will detail the overwhelming weight that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the U.S. immigration system and immigrants in America. 

The first and most prominent impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. immigration system is the postponement and temporary termination of immigration services, including but not limited to: Visa processing overseas, processing of certain immigration benefits, U.S. border entry, immigration court hearings, interviews for immigration and asylum benefits, biometrics appointments and naturalization oath ceremonies. The delay of critical immigration processes has put tens of thousands of people on hold for their U.S. citizenship. The domino effect of this? Tens of thousands in poverty and/or immigrant detention centers. The domino effect of that? Tens of thousands of positive COVID-19 cases discovered within immigrant detention centers, due to ICE’s negligence to follow health code regulations. A research study published in JAMA (2020) confirmed this failure to follow health guidelines, revealing that coronavirus rates amongst ICE detainees were 13 times higher than the U.S. average.₁

COVID-19 has severely impacted the U.S. economy, leaving many people, businesses and state governments in financial predicaments. Congress responded, passing multiple stimulus measures and pandemic relief payments to help support those who were experiencing monetary issues. Economic relief payments were provided to millions of people across the nation, however, the majority of the immigrant population was left out. Non-citizens who file federal income taxes, lawfully-present non-citizens, their families, and even American citizens who jointly filed taxes with a non-citizen, were denied eligibility. Congresses refusal to offer legislative relief to the majority of non-citizens in America left millions of immigrants and their families in financial turmoil, struggling to survive during a time of economic unpredictability. The U.S. government’s failure to offer assistance to individuals operating through the U.S. immigration system represents another substantial issue created by COVID-19.

Furthermore, the spread of the coronavirus in America prompted the Trump Administration to implement a proclamation that served to further complicate and disrupt the legal immigration process. The proclamation temporarily suspended the entry of certain immigrants into America, claiming that this action would help preserve employment opportunities for U.S. citizens and hamper the spreading virus.  The immigration ban later expanded to include the prohibition of entry by some employment-based, nonimmigrant visa types as well. The effect of the proclamation devastated the immigrant population, separating families and further elongating their journey to becoming a U.S. citizen lawfully. 

Work Cited

1. Erfani P, Uppal N, Lee CH, Mishori R, Peeler KR. COVID-19 Testing and Cases in Immigration Detention Centers, April-August 2020. JAMA. Published online October 29, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.21473

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FAQs

How did the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt U.S. immigration services?

The pandemic caused widespread delays in immigration processes, including the suspension of visa processing, immigration court hearings, biometrics appointments, and naturalization ceremonies. Many immigrants faced prolonged waits for citizenship and other immigration benefits.

How were immigrants in detention centers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Immigrants in detention centers faced heightened health risks due to the pandemic, with COVID-19 rates among detainees reported to be significantly higher than the national average. Inadequate health measures in these facilities contributed to the spread of the virus.

Were immigrants eligible for federal pandemic relief?

No, many immigrants were excluded from federal pandemic relief. Non-citizens, including those who lawfully pay taxes, and their families, were ineligible for economic relief payments, leaving millions in financial distress during the pandemic.

How did the pandemic affect immigration court hearings?

Immigration court hearings were delayed or canceled during the pandemic, further extending the time immigrants had to wait for case resolutions. This caused significant uncertainty and stress for many who were awaiting decisions on their status.

What impact did the Trump Administration’s immigration proclamation have during the pandemic?

The Trump Administration’s immigration proclamation temporarily suspended the entry of certain immigrants to preserve jobs for U.S. citizens during the pandemic. It also banned some nonimmigrant visa categories, separating families and further delaying immigration processes.

How did COVID-19 affect visa processing overseas?

Visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world was largely suspended due to the pandemic, causing significant delays for individuals seeking to enter the U.S. for work, study, or family reunification.

Were asylum seekers affected by COVID-19 restrictions?

Yes, asylum seekers faced delays in their cases due to the suspension of interviews and hearings. Additionally, new asylum policies during the pandemic made it more difficult for people to seek protection in the U.S.

How did COVID-19 impact the U.S. economy, particularly for immigrants?

The pandemic caused severe economic hardship for many immigrants, who were disproportionately excluded from federal relief programs. Many lost jobs and income, especially those in industries like hospitality, agriculture, and domestic work.

Did the COVID-19 pandemic cause delays in naturalization ceremonies?

Yes, naturalization ceremonies were postponed for months due to the pandemic, leaving many eligible immigrants in limbo as they awaited the final step to becoming U.S. citizens

How did ICE’s handling of health guidelines during the pandemic affect immigrant detainees?

ICE faced criticism for failing to adequately follow health guidelines in detention centers, contributing to high COVID-19 infection rates. This failure exacerbated the already challenging conditions faced by detained immigrants during the pandemic.