The Latest News on Immigration Rules and Coronavirus
U.S.
U.S. ‘Desperate’ for More Immigrants
We are running out of people to fuel the economic growth that we’ve had in our nation over the last four years
At a private event at the Oxford Union in Oxford, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said that the U.S. economy needs more immigrant workers to keep growing.
“We are desperate — desperate — for more people,” Mulvaney said.
Legal Channels Expanding
The Trump administration wants more immigrants to come to the US in a “legal fashion,” Mulvaney said. He praised point-based immigration systems in Australia and Canada and said the White House wants to use a model closer to these countries.
New Plan
President Trump’s senior adviser, Jared Kushner, calmly tried to revive discussions to revise the US immigration system based on a points- or merit-based model. The plan will increase the number of legal immigrants by increasing visas for highly skilled workers; an increase in the number of green cards issued to workers; providing more stringent visa controls; and maintaining E-Verify on a voluntary basis.
No Mandatory E-Verify
President Trump’s budget for fiscal year 2021 supports a voluntary version of E-Verify, which indicates that the White House is preparing to publish Kouchner’s plan. Language from two previous budgets requiring mandatory use of the system throughout the country was excluded.
State-Sponsored Visas
A new immigration reform proposal submitted to Congress also draws on the components of the Australian and Canadian immigration systems, and it will create a state pilot program to select and sponsor renewable three-year visas depending on the state’s employment needs.
World
Coronavirus FAQ
This article is intended to provide you with general information about the new coronavirus, including how it is transmitted and how infection can be prevented. This is not legal advice on this topic.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a new respiratory virus that originated in Wuhan, China. The virus is contagious and potentially deadly. It is thought to be transmitted through coughing and sneezing by infected people. There is currently no vaccine or cure.
How many people survive coronavirus?
Currently, mortality from coronavirus is less than 3 percent. Thus, most of those who have suffered so far have survived this disease.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
- Mild to severe respiratory illness
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
What is the protection?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Germany
Germany’s new labor immigration law explained
It has never been easy for foreigners to come to Germany to work. For decades, political leaders have insisted that the country does not pursue an active immigration policy. But this has changed in recent years due to the fact that Germany lacks more than a million highly skilled migrants to support its economy.
Who is considered a skilled worker?
Opposite to previous legislation, being a qualified employee or “specialist”, is no longer limited to a person with a higher education or university. Instead, the term now also applies to a person who has received a vocational training certificate. The training program must last at least two years, and the degree obtained must be recognized equal or similar to a German degree.
Who is allowed to work in Germany?
Applicants from outside the European Union are generally allowed to work in Germany if they have an employment contract with a German company and the appropriate professional qualifications for the job. The new law excluded a key provision: people outside the EU can get a job only if there is no German citizen or EU citizen who can do this.
What else is needed?
All persons with an employment contract or a specific job offer are granted a residence permit for four years or for the duration of their contract. After four years, they can apply for permanent resident status.
If you are looking for work, you are also allowed to enter Germany – in case you can prove that you are able to provide for yourself and speak German fairly well (level B2).
Special rules for special skills
In sectors with an acute shortage of qualified specialists, the level of emigration to Germany was also lowered. For example, doctors, IT specialists or registered certified nurses do not need their qualifications recognized by the German authorities if they can prove at least five years of work experience.
Family members are allowed
Under the new law, skilled workers are also allowed to bring their spouses and minor children to Germany. But they should be able to provide financial support to their family members and provide them with adequate living space. They cannot receive government benefits, such as social benefits.
Want to know more, Read here about our Immigration Services