U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on September 15, 2021, that a new policy regarding coronavirus vaccinations and immigrants will soon go into effect. Immigrants seeking entry into the United States on and after October 1, 2021, will be required to show documentation that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to entering the country. Some exceptions do apply to this policy:
- People with medical conditions that prevent them from receiving the vaccine
- Children who are too young to receive the vaccine
- Individuals who have religious beliefs or moral convictions that prevent them from receiving vaccinations not only for COVID-19 but for all other potential illnesses
- Those who do not have access to the vaccine because of shortages within the state in which the immigrant’s medical examination will be performed
All other immigrants, however, must have received a vaccination against COVID-19 to be permitted to enter the country. Failure to do so will result in a Class A condition status for the immigrant, which will typically render them inadmissible to the United States.
An Array of Vaccinations Are Required
Immigrants have long been required to obtain vaccinations as part of the legal immigration process. These include vaccinations against polio, chickenpox, hepatitis A and many other illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for all age-appropriate people within the United States. As a result, the CDC now has added COVID-19 to the other vaccination requirements put in place for immigrants who seek to enter the United States.
Waivers May Be Available
Along with the waivers that cover cases in which the immigrant is too young, too sick or morally opposed to all vaccinations, some immigrants may also qualify for a waiver if the vaccine is not widely available in the country from which they are departing. The USCIS will make this determination at a later date and may issue blanket waivers for those who wish to receive the vaccine but have not been able to because of shortages in their originating country. Working with a qualified and experienced New York immigration attorney is a good first step toward determining whether these issues could affect your ability to enter the United States legally.
If you need the assistance of a New York immigration attorney to assist you with issues involving coronavirus vaccinations and immigrants, Pozo Goldstein can deliver the right representation and guidance for you and your family. Our team of experienced attorneys includes two former immigration prosecutors and a former judge. We have the experience and the proven knowledge you need to resolve immigration issues quickly. Give us a call today at 212-201-9031 to schedule a case evaluation with our team. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
