US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to temporarily halt the issuance of green cards in an effort he claims will protect American workers as the economy reopens. By preserving jobs for the 26 million Americans that have filed for unemployment since the pandemic began, this measure is designed to promote economic recovery following the outbreak.

Immigration groups have remarked that Trump’s order is more of a political strategy than a policy change, stating that he is using the pandemic to enact aggressive immigration measures that bolster his reelection prospects. As a growing percentage of the labor force struggles with unemployment, Trump’s order could be designed to mitigate concerns and fulfill a long-standing campaign promise with no substantial changes to immigration policy. Trump’s staff have rebutted that this is merely a good-faith, common sense effort to protect Americans.

While Trump’s order to temporarily suspend immigration initially seemed drastic, the proclamation contains several exemptions, including medical professionals and spouses and children of American citizens. Furthermore, the ban is focused on entry and does not affect foreigners lawfully in the U.S. Importantly, the order does ban those seeking green cards through a family member of an American, and current green card holders cannot sponsor children or spouses for permanent residency. Although the order may be challenged in court, it is likely to affect a relatively small number of people.

Trump’s original order suspends green card issuance for 60 days, but limitations may last longer. Consistent with the order, the Secretary of Homeland Security will recommend that Trump continue or alter the ban within the next fifty days.

For more on COVID-19, see our special coverage.