Immigration & Travel

Note See the Immigration Issues page of our Weather Emergencies guide for information related to ongoing natural disasters in Texas.

Travel

Interstate Travel

Texans Traveling to Other States

New York Imposes Travel Restrictions on Visitors from Texas, the Latest Coronavirus Hot Spot (6/24/2020)
According to this news article, "visitors from Texas will soon have to quarantine for 14 days if they travel to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut".

Travelers Arriving in Texas

Earlier in the year, travelers arriving in Texas from certain states were ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days. Those restrictions have been repealed and there are currently no mandatory quarantines for travelers arriving in Texas from other U.S. states.

Information for Travelers (Texas Department of State Health Services)
This page has updated information related to travel and COVID-19 in Texas.
Texas Governor's Executive Order No. GA-24 (5/22/2020) [PDF]
Effective: May 22 — Rescinds mandatory quarantines for travelers set out in GA-20. Ends any quarantine periods already in progress. This affects travelers arriving in Texas from: California; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; and Miami, Florida.

International Travel

Americans Traveling Abroad

EU Sets New List Of Approved Travel Partners. The U.S. Isn't On It (6/30/2020)
This news article describes the European Union's recent ban on travelers from the U.S.

Travelers Arriving in the U.S.

COVID-19 Traveler Information (Department of State)
This page has current information on international travel restrictions, advisories, and any required self-quarantine periods.
Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States (CDC)
This page has information about the current bans on travel to and from certain countries. The page states: "citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States, certain family members, and other individuals who meet specified exceptions, who have been in one of the countries listed above in the past 14 days will be allowed to enter the United States through one of 15 airports."

Immigration Issues

Immigration Process

Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak (4/22/2020)
This Presidential order places a 60 day pause on the issuance of "green cards" for certain types of immigrants.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Noncitizens and Across the U.S. Immigration System
This special report from the American Immigration Council is a broad look at the disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic has has on the immigration process so far. Recommendations for improving these breakdowns are also included.

USCIS Offices

USCIS Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
This alert from USCIS states: "As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1 to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment contact the USCIS Contact Center."
USCIS Office Closings
A list of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices that are closed or have temporarily changed hours.

Eligibility for Relief

Disaster Relief for Immigrants (Texas RioGrande Legal Aid) [PDF]
Answers to frequently asked questions about FEMA assistance and unemployment assistance for immigrants. En español [PDF]. Also see their video. Video en español.
Disaster Relief and Immigration Status (Texas RioGrande Legal Aid) [PDF]
Answers to frequently asked question about what immigrants may need to do in order to maintain their immigration status when they have been affected by a disaster. En español [PDF].

Access to Health Services

How Does the Public Charge Rule and Accessing Health Services Affect my Immigration Status? (TexasLawHelp.org)
This FAQ states: "Under the law, everyone is eligible for testing and treatment of communicable diseases, including Coronavirus. This includes people without legal immigration status."

Immigration Courts

EOIR Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic
This chart shows the operational status of immigration courts across the country as well as alternative filing locations.
EOIR Twitter
Live updates from the EOIR will be posted on their Twitter page.
How Will Immigration Courts Handle The COVID-19 Pandemic? (3/12/2020)
This news article discusses issues that immigration courts are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

More help?

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Questions? Ask us! Librarians at the State Law Library can provide information about the law, but cannot give legal advice.

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COVID-19 & Texas Law