Trump's new fatwa: ban on H-1B visas before elections

In June, Trump banned foreign work visas, including H-1B, until the end of the year in the interest of American workers.

(PTI) Washington, Ta. Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The Trump administration has announced new restrictions on H-1B visas to protect American workers ahead of the election. Trump's decision will affect thousands of Indian IT professionals.

The definition of special occupation has narrowed following the announcement made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ahead of the November 3 US presidential election.

U.S.-based companies apply for H-1B visas for outside workers under the definition of special occupation. The Trump administration has made the change at a time when the US presidential election is less than four weeks away.

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa. Which allows American companies to hire foreign workers in a specialized business that requires theoretical or technical expertise.

Technology companies hire thousands of employees on these visas from India and China every year. Many Indians have already lost a large number of jobs due to the tightening of H-1B visa provisions and are returning home due to the Koro epidemic.

According to the ministry, the new rules will be implemented in 60 days. According to Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor officials, new rules on who will be granted visas and how much they should be paid will be issued soon.

Earlier in June, the Trump administration banned foreign work visas, including H-1Bs, until the end of 2020 to protect American workers. Nasscom, meanwhile, reacted to the Trump administration's decision by saying the new rules would make it more difficult for American companies to hire foreign workers.