On November 26, 2019, a federal court enjoined a Presidential Proclamation requiring that immigrant visa applicants prove either that they can private-pay for their medical care in the U.S. or that they will have unsubsidized health insurance within 30 days after entry.
The injunction prevents the government from implementing the proclamation while litigation on its legality continues.
Maine joined twenty other states, plus the District of Columbia and the City of New York, in supporting the plaintiff’s challenge to the Presidential Proclamation.
As we’ve explained previously, the proclamation has the potential to slash immigration by more than 60%, and will particularly target immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents seeking to immigrate. Most of Maine’s immigrants come through family, so the proclamation would adversely impact the state if allowed to take effect.
The Presidential Proclamation would divide families, causing them emotional and financial hardship. It would also damage the economy by dramatically cutting legal immigration when our nation’s, and Maine’s, unemployment rates are at record lows. The court appropriately prevented it from taking effect during the ongoing litigation.