U.S. President Donald Trump says his recent executive order will only apply to people seeking green cards. The clarification comes a day after he announced the legislation---which bars new immigration---in a Tweet on Monday.

Trump spelled out details on the forthcoming executive order on Tuesday. The new provision will affect people seeking permanent resident status in the country and will last for 60 days. He said workers entering the U.S. would be temporarily not included.

The order on the immigration ban is currently being written down. It is expected to receive the president's signature on Wednesday. The order may be extended following a review that will be conducted at the end of 60 days.


Protecting American Workers

The new order is said to have economic effects. Trump emphasized, however, that it would "protect American workers." He also said that there would be certain exemptions to the bill.

The immigration ban will allow unemployed American citizens to be prioritized for jobs when the nation reopens its economy. According to Trump, it will be unjust for Americans to be laid off due to COVID-19 closures and replaced by immigrants flown in from outside the country.

"We must first take care of the American workers," he said. "Further details on exemptions will be announced soon," he added.

Trump's officials began working on the order last week. Before that, the president reportedly discussed the matter privately with aides. His principal adviser, Stephen Miller, will also play a role in the discussion.

The late-night announcement shocked some officials since the order wasn't finalized. Some of its provisions have yet to be thoroughly discussed. Several allies and his reelection campaign team voiced their support for the executive order.

Roy Beck, an advocated for reduced immigration, heralded President Trump's proposed order. He believes immigration "makes no sense," while tens of millions of Americans are struggling to find full-time job opportunities.


Advocates push back

Immigrant advocates expressed their disappointment over the news. They say many immigrants are working on the frontlines in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. They make up a significant part of the medical workforce. Many immigrants also work in jobs necessary to fight the virus and keep the country afloat.

The Trump administration recognized the need for additional workers in some industries. Last week, the government announced it was temporarily amending visa requirements for foreign workers to help the U.S. agricultural employers who rely on foreign labor. Qualified employers can employ those already residing in the country with specified visa status.

The temporary rule change will protect the nation's food supply change, according to the Department of Agriculture. They also said seasonal farmworkers would not be affected by the executive order.

Workers on H-1B visas could also be covered in a separate action that is currently under consideration. While parents and other family members of American citizens need to wait for the ban to be lifted, spouses and children will still be eligible for green cards under the new policy.


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