Pandemic allowed the Trump administration to restrict business immigration

The Coronavirus outbreak in the US was massive and the number of people infected and deaths grew exponentially in a relatively short period of time compared to other countries. In fact, the US is still the main epicenter of the global pandemic, after more than nine consecutive months.

Due to the impact of the health crisis, the unemployment rate skyrocketed and the country entered an economic crisis worse than during the Great Recession (2007-2009). In an attempt to protect the economy and American workers, the Trump administration implemented multiple emergency measures that substantially restricted business immigration, except for some visa programs such as those related to the US food supply chain (foreign farmers or food transportation industry).

For instance, in June 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation banning the issuance of H-1B visas during the health emergency. It is important to explain that the H-1B visa program allows American or US-based companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, who are normally professionals in important sectors such as science, technology, research, and engineering.

Do you need help with a Business Immigration Case? Contact Motion Law, whether you need advice for your company or if you want to come to the US to work.

The Trump administration extends restrictions on employment-based visas

Initially, the Trump administration stated that restrictions on work visas would be active for 6 months, until January 1, 2021. However, in late December 2020, several government officials stated that these restrictions would possibly be extended due to the second massive outbreak of Coronavirus that is currently taking place in the US.

After a seemingly endless wait for local companies benefiting from the H-1B visa program, the Trump administration announced that restrictions on employment-based visas will be extended for another three months, until March 31.

These restrictions also affect:

• L visas for inter-company transfers.
• Green Card or Permanent Legal Residence.
• Alternatives for relatives of H-1B visa holders.

Regarding these restrictions, the Trump administration has received countless criticisms. Local companies using services and alternatives of business immigration state that foreign workforce is paramount and essential to overcome the current crisis because foreign workers not only constantly boost the economy, but also bring talent, innovation and international competitiveness, which helps the US tremendously during the current juncture.

Adding to that, dozens of experts assure that foreign workers are also pioneers in fields such as science and research, which are main sectors during the health crisis caused by the Coronavirus. Many foreign workers also create entrepreneurship projects and offer jobs to the American population, which is necessary in times of crisis.

It is important to clarify that the fact that foreign workforce is a benefit and a strength for the US does not mean that American workers are left behind, but rather that they are a complement that maintains the constant socioeconomic development of local companies.

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