U.S. CDC Suspends the Introduction of Certain Non-Citizens Into the USA

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order on August 2, 2021, under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act and associated implementing regulations that temporarily suspend the introduction of certain non-citizens into the USA.

Based on the Director’s determination that introduction of such non-citizens, regardless of their country of origin, migrating through Canada and Mexico into the USA creates a serious danger of the introduction of COVID-19 into the United States, and the danger is so increased by the introduction of such noncitizens that a temporary suspension is necessary to protect the public health.

However, unaccompanied non-citizen children, already excepted under a July 16, 2021 Order, remain excepted from the Order’s coverage.

The CDC is continuing to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the U.S. borders and ports of entry, looking at the risks of transmission and spread of COVID-19 in congregate settings, such as U.S. Customs and Border Patrol stations, as well as the threat from emerging variants and the availability of testing, vaccination, and other mitigation measures stated the CDC press release.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and our risk assessment changes, the CDC will reassess the existing Order. 

This new Order was issued on August 2, 2021, and shall remain in effect until the CDC Director determines that the danger of further introduction of COVID-19 into the United States from covered noncitizens has ceased to be a serious danger to public health, and the Order is no longer necessary to protect the public health. 

The Order replaces the October 13, 2020 Order previously issued under this authority.