Coronavirus Travel Restrictions on Noncitizens Who Were Recently Physically Present in India
On April 30, 2021, President Joe Biden published a Presidential Proclamation [link] suspending the entry of most noncitizens from India due to India's coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, the proclamation bars the entry of noncitizens who were physically present in India during the 14-day period prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The emphasis in the restrictions is on physical presence in India rather than nationality, similar to other per-country limitations to protect the United States from the spread of the coronavirus. The India entry restrictions took effect on May 4, 2021.
The proclamation does not apply to the following classes of individuals:
Lawful permanent residents
Noncitizen nationals of the United States
Noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
Noncitizens who are the parents, legal guardians, or siblings of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are unmarried and under the age of 21
Noncitizen children who are the child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who are prospective adoptees seeking to enter the United States under the IR4 or IH4 visa classifications
There are several more specific exemptions available. Aliens entering the United States on invitation to help contain or mitigate the coronavirus are exempt. Certain alien crewmembers and diplomats, enumerated in President Biden's memorandum, are also exempt. The Department of Homeland Security may waive the restrictions on a case-by-case basis for aliens whose entry would further important law enforcement objectives or whose entry would otherwise be in the national interest of the United States.