The issuance of “green cards” for new immigrants, along with several work visas for foreigners, including H-1B and H-4 (for H-1B spouses), has been frozen by the White House until the end of 2020. This decision aims to protect the jobs of American citizens that were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially, Trump had suspended the issuance of these visas for three months, but now the freeze has been extended until the end of the current year.
“We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens,” stated Trump in response to the order.
“The entry of additional workers through the H-1B, H-2B, J, and L nonimmigrant visa programs, therefore, presents a significant threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the extraordinary economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak,” he added in the order.
It has been clarified by the White House that the visa suspension will not affect those who are already in the US on the visas. Additionally, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for foreign students after their graduation in the US remains unaffected.
Visa holders who are outside the US will not be able to return to the country.
Trump’s new immigration order also suspends the L1 visas (for intracompany transfer) and J1 visas used by doctors and researchers to enter the country, with exceptions for those already in the US at the moment.
According to a senior administration official, these measures, decreed by President Trump through an executive order, are temporary until December 31 and are expected to free up 525,000 jobs for American workers.
Trump has also directed a broader reform of the H-1B visa regime, aiming to replace the current lottery system with a merit-based system favoring those offered the highest wages and targeting highly skilled individuals such as doctors, lawyers, and academics.
“This will drive up both wage level and skill level. It will also eliminate competition with Americans for entry-level jobs,” the official mentioned, adding that the President had also ordered the closure of loopholes enabling job outsourcing.
According to the official, the new reforms proposed by Trump will ensure that jobs go to those who are paid the highest wages, ensuring that ‘America gets the best and brightest talent’.
Trump highlighted that between February and April of 2020, more than 20 million United States workers lost their jobs in key industries where employers are currently seeking H-1B and L workers to fill positions. Additionally, the May unemployment rate for young Americans, who are in competition with certain J nonimmigrant visa applicants, has been particularly high — 29.9 percent for 16-19-year-olds, and 23.2 percent for the 20-24 age group.