DHS and DOL announce upcoming restrictions on business immigration

The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) stated, on Tuesday, October 6 2020, that restrictions for business immigration will increase, specifically for H-1B visas for qualified foreign workers.

The current administration of the US announced that new regulations will be published in the Federal Register later in the week. According to the DHS Acting Deputy Secretary, the new rules include, but are not limited to:

• Increase in wages for qualified foreign workers.
  In this way, the Trump administration seeks to encourage local companies to hire American workers and hire foreigners only when necessary and not because their workforce is less expensive.
• Reduction of professions considered “specialized occupation”. This measure had been previously announced by the Trump administration.
  DHS ensures that this rule will result in the denial of one third of the applications as they would not be classified as specialty occupations.
• Increase inspections in local companies to make sure they are following the new rules and protocols by hiring local personnel before foreign professionals.

The DOJ Deputy Secretary states these rules will help American citizens have more job opportunities after the massive Coronavirus outbreak, boost the local economy and reduce current unemployment rate.

In fact, he argues that “With millions of Americans looking for work, as the economy continues its recovery, immediate action is needed to guard against the risk lower-cost foreign labour can pose to the wellbeing of US workers.”

The background

The current administration of the US has always aimed to reduce immigration, both legal and illegal. Since the arrival of the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Trump government has implemented multiple emergency measures that directly affect the immigration sector.

For instance, speaking specifically about business immigration, the Trump administration abruptly restricted the issuance of H-1B work visas in June, arguing that the massive influx of foreign workers could worsen the local health and economic crisis.

Multiple internationally recognized companies and experts declare that restrictions on business immigration greatly affect the local market, mainly because qualified foreign workers are a fundamental piece for the socioeconomic development of the US and bring innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit, which are essential qualities to overcome the current crisis.

Yet despite criticism, the Trump administration believes that business immigration could affect American workers if it is not properly controlled and measured.

Do you need help with a business immigration case? Motion Law can help.

Organize the documentation correctly for your immigration application

Despite the Trump administration’s restrictions on the immigration sector during the current juncture, we are witnessing how regular processes gradually return to normal.

Currently, the best recommendation is undoubtedly to seek reliable help from experts on immigration matters. In this way, you will be able to:

• Organize the required documentation correctly.
• Choose the process that suits your immigration needs.
• Prepare your immigration application in the shortest possible time.
• Submit your immigration application effectively and efficiently.

Therefore, if you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.