Due to Covid19 pandemic, world is moving towards WFH using advanced online meeting tool such google meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex etc. This pandemic has changed the ways of working, with this corporate must have realize by now, you don't have to physically outsource someone on H1B Visa or hire someone physically travel to US to get the job done. Job can be done remotely without one being present in the office having said that critics has raised concern, Trump administration exploiting the pandemic to tighten up immigration laws.
US President Donald Trump has extended a pause on some green cards and suspended visas for other foreign workers until the end of 2020.
High-skilled tech workers, non-agricultural seasonal helpers, au pairs and top executives will be affected.
The White House said the move will create jobs for Americans hurting economically due to the pandemic.
Who's affected?
In a briefing for reporters, the administration said the freeze, in place through the end of the year, would impact about 525,000 people.
That includes an estimated 170,000 people blocked by the decision to extend a ban on some new green cards - which grants permanent residence to foreigners. The White House first announced it was halting those visas in April, an order that had been set to expire on Monday.
The order also applies to H-1B visas, which are often granted to Indian tech workers and their families. Critics say these visas have allowed Silicon Valley companies to outsource American jobs to lower-paid foreign employees. H-1B visas are currently distributed via a lottery, but the Trump administration is proposing they instead be awarded by highest salary. Last year, there were about 225,000 applications competing for 85,000 spots available through the H1-B visa programme.
The order will suspend most H-2B visas for seasonal workers, including those in the hospitality industry, except those in agriculture, the food processing industry and healthcare professionals.
The order will restrict J-1 short-term exchange visas, a category that includes university students and foreign au pairs who provide childcare. Professors and scholars are not included in the order. There will be a provision to request exemptions.
L visas for managers and other key employees of multinational corporations will also be suspended.
What's the reaction?
The aim is to get "the best and the brightest" and "the most value for our economy," a senior official said on the background call.
Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which favours restrictions, told AP news agency: "This is a bold move by the Trump administration to protect American jobs."
But the American Civil Liberties Union said: "It's the exploitation of a pandemic to reshape immigration law, while superseding Congress."
The new policy is also opposed by many businesses, which rely on foreign workers.
"As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs," the Chamber of Commerce wrote in a letter this month warning against new restrictions.
"To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world."
With above all reaction and impact, it is imperative software still can be delivered remotely however there are some jobs that demands travel and deals to conclude at the end.
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