ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9993ProclamationTrump 45 · R

Proclamation 9993

Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

This proclamation suspends entry into the United States of all aliens physically present in the 26-country Schengen Area during the 14 days before attempted entry, effective March 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, due to COVID-19 transmission risks. It expands prior travel restrictions from China and Iran, with exceptions for lawful permanent residents, close family members of U.S. citizens/residents, certain visa holders, and others.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 15045

Impact dates

  1. Proclamation effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time

Key directives

  • Suspend and limit entry of aliens present in Schengen Area during 14-day lookback period
  • Secretary of State to implement visa procedures in consultation with DHS
  • Secretary of Homeland Security to implement entry procedures in consultation with State
  • Secretaries of State, Transportation, and DHS to prevent boarding of covered aliens on U.S.-bound aircraft
  • DHS to establish port of entry standards
  • DHS to prioritize removal of aliens who circumvent through fraud or illegal entry
  • HHS Secretary to recommend continuation/modification/termination per Proclamation 9984 framework

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Entry suspension takes effect March 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
  • Flights departing before deadline exempted
  • Secretary of State and DHS to implement visa and entry procedures

Near term (90d)

  • DHS to establish port of entry standards and procedures
  • HHS Secretary to recommend continuation, modification, or termination
  • Removal prioritization for fraudulent circumvention

Long term

  • Proclamation remains until terminated by President
  • Potential modification based on HHS recommendations

Risks & tensions

  • Significant economic impact on transatlantic travel and tourism sectors
  • Diplomatic friction with European allies; proclamation notes 'free flow of commerce remains an economic priority' as defensive framing
  • Enforcement challenges given free movement within Schengen Area makes 14-day physical presence tracing difficult
  • Potential legal challenges to broad 212(f) authority invocation
  • Exception categories (ix)-(xi) grant substantial discretionary waiver power to agency secretaries, creating implementation inconsistency risk
Proclamation 9993: Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus · Executive Orders