Trump signs executive order that freezes new green cards

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to halt new green cards for at least 60 days, though it contained a wide series of exceptions for workers in agriculture, health care, public safety and other industries deemed essential.

“This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens,” Trump said during his daily briefing on Wednesday.

The president said he would re-evaluate the halt after 60 days, stressing that the new rules do no apply to some workers. The order was released by the White House during the president’s briefing. Trump said he signed it just before speaking with reporters.

The order would exempt immigrants who are physicians and nurses. It would exempt spouses of U.S. citizens, immigrants under 21 and prospective adoptees. Trump has previously said the order is aimed at temporarily halting the award of green cards.