President Donald Trump’s stance on H-1B visas remains unclear but there are plenty of indications the program will be restricted. In this blog our H-1B visa lawyer looks at some of the possibilities.
The H-1B visa program is likely to be undermined by Trump’s insistence that American workers are offered jobs first and his view that companies are using the H1-B visa program to bring over skilled workers and pay them less than Americans.
Many of the big tech companies have denied this. They point to a local skills shortage in some key areas. The H-1B visa program is used to bring over people with the right skill sets, particularly from countries like India.
Trump’s harshest comments on these visas were made in March 2016. He said.
“I will end forever the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program, and institute an absolute requirement to hire American workers first for every visa and immigration program. No exceptions.”
Although these comments do not seem ambiguous business leaders have pointed to some evidence of Trump flip-flopping over H-1B visas. Our H-1B visa lawyer has some questions about how the program would be restricted.
The Washington Post accused Trump of changing his position on these non-immigrant temporary visas.
However, even if H1-B visas survive, change is likely. Trump has spoken of raising the wages associated with the visas and adding a recruitment requirement on firms to seek out American workers before hiring foreign ones.
Talk to An H-1B Visa Lawyer if You Are Seeking Indian Workers
An article in QZ.com pointed out Indian workers are likely to be hit the hardest by changes to the H1-B visa.
Over the last couple of years, Indians have been the recipients of the highest number of these skilled visas that allow foreigners to work full-time in the United States for up to six years.
Inevitably, supply outpaces demand for H-1B visas. An H-1B visa lawyer can help you with your application and ensure you don’t make any mistakes that will impede you before you enter the visa lottery in the spring.
Of course, there is no guarantee of success in the lottery. Last year the visa cap of 65,000 was hit in just a week. Given the likely future restrictions to the program, it’s vital that you get your application prepared as soon as possible.
Our visa lawyers can help you in this respect. Call us today at (512) 399-2311 or contact us here.