Given that 2020 has been all about the pandemic and its subcategories of infection control, social distancing, suspension of mass gatherings, and events, this did not mean it will be back to normal in 2021. In reality, 2021 seems to be an extension of what the world already is – except it has gotten a bit adaptive.
Due to the suspension of mass gatherings and infection control, flights inside and outside of the country have been put to a halt – especially in the United States, which is by far the leading country to have acquired the most significant number of positive patients. Bearing this in mind, many have wondered if there is a change in immigration this 2021. To further walk you through the details, here are some of the things you should know regarding immigration today in the U.S.
The Immigration Today
Given the circumstances, immigrants can travel to the United States, but it does not mean they should. However, if given no other choice but to travel, there would be much more documentation evidence to present other than the usual visa requirements.
Last 12th of January of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order that all air passengers from a foreign country heading to the U.S. must issue proof or documentation of a negative COVID-19 test or having recovered from it. This is said to be effective starting the 26th of January and published in the Federal Register soon. To check the order, visit the CDC website.
This new order will end the former CDC order last 25th of December, requiring a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival into the United States from the United Kingdom. This means the new order is applied to all air passengers, citizens, green card holders, or non-citizens.
The Requirements Before Travel
For the requirements, according to CDC, the traveler should get tested no more than three days before departure going to the U.S. The test should be a Viral Test (Antigen Test) to determine if the passenger is currently infected. The documentation of the result is then presented to the airline.
For the test to be verified, it must be presented in written documentation, either soft or hard copy, of the laboratory result. The result should include the information that identifies the person, specimen collection date, and the type of test done. If the result is positive, the test result must show that it was done three months before a flight or undergo another Antigen Test.
After Arrival in the United States
CDC strongly recommends following the travel protocol where the traveler must at least self-quarantine in their unit or home for seven days after arrival. Even if the result from the pre-departure laboratory test is negative, they still need to complete a full 7-day self-quarantine.
All other infection control like wearing a mask, the social distancing of at least 6 feet apart, and washing their hands should all be considered as well during and after the home quarantine.
Conclusion
Now that everything needs to be strictly secured, the only way to prevent the virus from spreading is obedience and compliance to the protocols. Even if it is quite impossible to recover quickly from what the world had suffered, it is safe to say that the only cure we can have now is prevention. For more information about immigration, contact an immigration lawyer today.
