The travel bans necessitated by the COVID pandemic have created much flux and uncertainty. Synthesizing the information now finally available from various US government sources, it is clearer now that many intending travelers can seek and obtain an exemption from the ban under a series of provisions for a National Interest Exception (NIE).
You should be able to apply for an NIE to overcome the ban on travel to the USA if you meet any one or more of the following categories:
Discussing allegations of fraud and consequences when a short term visa holder tries to convert to green card or another long term visa from within the US.
For latest updates, watch this video with Rajiv from Dec 28, 2021.