Trump Administration Temporarily Suspends Work Visas due to Coronavirus
Today, Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation halting visas for foreign workers into the United States in several categories, including some temporary workers who use H-2B visas, au pairs and camp counselors who enter the country on J visas, and highly skilled workers who utilize H-1B visas. The proclamation suspends the visas until the end of the year. The administration claims that the move will open up more than 525,000 jobs for Americans in the wake of the economic devastation brought on by coronavirus, but the move has met fierce opposition both from Republicans and Democrats as well as business interests.
The Order Does Not Impact Current Visa Holders
The proclamation does not impact visas holders and their families already in the U.S. It also does not impact those who already have a visa and a valid travel document that permits them to enter the country.
However, the restrictions could have massive impacts for foreign workers and US companies. The NYTimes reported that the suspension could block 219,000 workers from entering the country before the end of the year.
The Order Extends Green Card Program Suspension
In April, Trump suspended some aspects of the Green Card program, which allows immigrants to get permanent residency in the US. This latest proclamation also extends that suspension, blocking many immigrants from being able to obtain permanent residency.
The Order Could Have Wide-Reaching Impacts for US Companies
Besides the hundreds of thousands of workers who will be unable to enter the US to work in diverse fields from landscaping to technology, the order will also probably hinder the growth of US companies. Many US technology companies rely on international workers when the skillset of American workers doesn’t fit their needs.
The Information Technology Industry Council, a lobbying group for major tech giants including Apple, Facebook and Google, said that the proclamation will “have a dangerous impact on the economic growth and recovery for years to come.”
We will keep you updated on how this proclamation impacts immigrants and visa holders.