Google is leading a determined effort by US tech giants to support a programme that gives work authorisation for spouses of those possessing H-1B foreign work visas, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals.&nbsp;

Goggle is joined by 30 other companies to support the H-4 EAD ((Employment Authorisation Document) programme.&nbsp;

An H-4 visa is issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders.&nbsp;

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.&nbsp;

"Google is proud to support our nation's immigrants. We joined 30 other companies to protect the H-4 EAD programme which spurs innovation, creates jobs and opportunities, and helps families," Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted.&nbsp;

Google on Friday filed a legal brief in a lawsuit called Save Jobs USA vs US Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

Tech companies that signed onto the amicus brief include Adobe, Amazon, Apple, eBay, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, PayPal and Twitter.&nbsp;

"To support this important programme, we are leading an amicus brief with over 40 companies and organisations to preserve and protect the H-4 EAD programme," Catherine Lacavera, Vice President, Legal, Google, said in a blog post.&nbsp;

"This builds on an amicus brief we recently joined in support of a lawsuit filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association to expedite the delayed processing time of H-4 work authorisations," she said.&nbsp;

Kent Walker, Senior Vice President, Global Affairs, Google, said H-4 EAD authorisations for the spouses of high-skilled workers help American companies recruit and retain the world's best talent.&nbsp;

"Today we led a business coalition filing on behalf of 30 companies to preserve and protect the programme," Walker said.&nbsp;

"H-4 EADs provide work authorisation to more than 90,000 H-4 visa-holders--more than 90 per cent women. COVID has disproportionately affected women. Ending this programme would make things worse, disrupting careers and reducing wages," he said.&nbsp;

"It doesn't make sense to welcome a person to the US to work but to make it harder for their spouse to work. That hurts their family and hurts our economy now and in the future," he added.&nbsp;

The plaintiff is Save Jobs USA, a group of computer workers formerly employed by Southern California Edison and replaced by foreign workers imported on H-1B guest worker visas.&nbsp;

Save Jobs USA filed the lawsuit in 2015. It was delayed as former president Donald Trump's administration considered rescinding the H-4 work rule. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Google is leading a determined effort by US tech giants to support a programme that gives work authorisation for spouses of those possessing H-1B foreign work visas, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals.

Google is leading a determined effort by US tech giants to support a programme that gives work authorisation for spouses of those possessing H-1B foreign work visas, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals. Goggle is joined by 30 other companies to support the H-4 EAD ((Employment Authorisation Document) programme. An H-4 visa is issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "Google is proud to support our nation's immigrants. We joined 30 other companies to protect the H-4 EAD programme which spurs innovation, creates jobs and opportunities, and helps families," Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted. Google on Friday filed a legal brief in a lawsuit called Save Jobs USA vs US Department of Homeland Security. Tech companies that signed onto the amicus brief include Adobe, Amazon, Apple, eBay, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, PayPal and Twitter. "To support this important programme, we are leading an amicus brief with over 40 companies and organisations to preserve and protect the H-4 EAD programme," Catherine Lacavera, Vice President, Legal, Google, said in a blog post. "This builds on an amicus brief we recently joined in support of a lawsuit filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association to expedite the delayed processing time of H-4 work authorisations," she said. Kent Walker, Senior Vice President, Global Affairs, Google, said H-4 EAD authorisations for the spouses of high-skilled workers help American companies recruit and retain the world's best talent. "Today we led a business coalition filing on behalf of 30 companies to preserve and protect the programme," Walker said. "H-4 EADs provide work authorisation to more than 90,000 H-4 visa-holders--more than 90 per cent women. COVID has disproportionately affected women. Ending this programme would make things worse, disrupting careers and reducing wages," he said. "It doesn't make sense to welcome a person to the US to work but to make it harder for their spouse to work. That hurts their family and hurts our economy now and in the future," he added. The plaintiff is Save Jobs USA, a group of computer workers formerly employed by Southern California Edison and replaced by foreign workers imported on H-1B guest worker visas. Save Jobs USA filed the lawsuit in 2015. It was delayed as former president Donald Trump's administration considered rescinding the H-4 work rule. (With inputs from agencies)

Google leads US tech giants' effort to support work authorisation for spouses of H-1B visa holders 

The Biden administration has said it is willing to reconsider the objections or adverse decisions to foreign workers on visas like H-1B due to the three policy memos by the previous Trump administration which now have been rescinded.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday announced "it may reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions" on Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, made based on three rescinded policy memos.

USCIS will generally process motions based on filing order, and consistent with current policy guidance, the federal agency said.

USCIS said it would generally use its discretion to accept a motion to reopen filed more than 30 days after the decision, if filed before the end of the validity period requested on the petition or labour condition application, whichever is earlier, and the decision was based on one or more policies in the three rescinded H-1B memoranda.

On June 17, 2020, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum 602-0114, which officially rescinded two prior policy memoranda. First titled "Determining Employer-Employee Relationship for Adjudication of H-1B Petitions, Including Third-Party Site Placements," that was issued on January 8, 2010; and second "Contracts and Itineraries Requirements for H-1B Petitions Involving Third-Party Worksites," issued on February 22, 2018.

On February 3, 2021, the agency issued Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1, which officially rescinded PM-602-0142, "Rescission of the December 22, 2000 'Guidance memo on H1B computer related positions'," issued on March 31, 2017. Both Policy Memorandum 602-0114 and Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1 state that they apply to "any pending or new [H-1B Petitions], including motions on and appeals of revocations and denials of H-1B classification."

USCIS said a petitioner may request that it reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions based on the three rescinded policy memos by properly filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, accompanied by the appropriate fee.

In addition, USCIS has the discretionary authority to accept and consider untimely motions under certain circumstances as explained in the form instructions and permitted by regulation.

"Petitioners who received an adverse decision on an H-1B petition based on the now-rescinded policy memoranda should consider whether there is time remaining in the validity period requested on the previously filed H-1B petition and the relevant labour condition application," USCIS said.

(with inputs)

The Biden administration has said it is willing to reconsider the objections or adverse decisions to foreign workers on visas like H-1B due to the three policy memos by the previous Trump administration which now have been rescinded.

The Biden administration has said it is willing to reconsider the objections or adverse decisions to foreign workers on visas like H-1B due to the three policy memos by the previous Trump administration which now have been rescinded. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday announced "it may reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions" on Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, made based on three rescinded policy memos. USCIS will generally process motions based on filing order, and consistent with current policy guidance, the federal agency said. USCIS said it would generally use its discretion to accept a motion to reopen filed more than 30 days after the decision, if filed before the end of the validity period requested on the petition or labour condition application, whichever is earlier, and the decision was based on one or more policies in the three rescinded H-1B memoranda. On June 17, 2020, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum 602-0114, which officially rescinded two prior policy memoranda. First titled "Determining Employer-Employee Relationship for Adjudication of H-1B Petitions, Including Third-Party Site Placements," that was issued on January 8, 2010; and second "Contracts and Itineraries Requirements for H-1B Petitions Involving Third-Party Worksites," issued on February 22, 2018. On February 3, 2021, the agency issued Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1, which officially rescinded PM-602-0142, "Rescission of the December 22, 2000 'Guidance memo on H1B computer related positions'," issued on March 31, 2017. Both Policy Memorandum 602-0114 and Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1 state that they apply to "any pending or new [H-1B Petitions], including motions on and appeals of revocations and denials of H-1B classification." USCIS said a petitioner may request that it reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions based on the three rescinded policy memos by properly filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, accompanied by the appropriate fee. In addition, USCIS has the discretionary authority to accept and consider untimely motions under certain circumstances as explained in the form instructions and permitted by regulation. "Petitioners who received an adverse decision on an H-1B petition based on the now-rescinded policy memoranda should consider whether there is time remaining in the validity period requested on the previously filed H-1B petition and the relevant labour condition application," USCIS said. (with inputs)

Biden admin to reconsider objections to H1B visas during Trump regime

The changes applying to the H1B visa program announced in October include imposing salary requirements on companies employing skilled overseas workers and limits on specialty occupations.

U.S. court throws out H-1B visa program changes

The Trump administration has proposed to scrap the computerised lottery system to grant H-1B work visas to foreign technology professionals and replace it with a wage-level-based selection process, a move that is expected to counter the downward pressure on the wages of US workers.

A notification on the new system is being published in the Federal Register on Thursday. Stakeholders have 30 days to respond to the notification, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday, less than a week before the US presidential election.

Replacing the computerised draw of lots to decide on the successful H-1B applicants, the DHS said it is expected to help counter the downward pressure on the wages of American workers that is created by an annual influx of relatively lower-paid, new cap-subject H-1B workers.

The H-1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

If finalised as proposed, US Citizenship and Immigration Services would first select registrations (or petitions, if the registration process is suspended) generally based on the highest Occupational Employment Statistics prevailing wage level that the offered wage equals or exceeds for the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code and areas of intended employment.

"Prioritisation and selection based on wage levels better balances the interests of petitioners, H-1B workers, and U.S. Workers,"&nbsp;the DHS said.

"With this proposed rule, the Trump administration is continuing to deliver on its promise to protect the American worker while strengthening the economy. The H-1B programme is often exploited and abused by U.S. Employers, and their U.S. Clients, primarily seeking to hire foreign workers and pay lower wages,"&nbsp;said Acting DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli.

US President Donald Trump, keen to regulate the country's immigration policies, on June 22, signed the executive order temporarily banning issuing fresh H-1B and L-1 visas till December 31. Reforming America's immigration regime is a major election promise of the Republican leader under his America First policy.

"The current use of random selection to allocate H-1B visas makes it harder for businesses to plan their hiring, fails to leverage the H-1B programme to truly compete for the world's best and brightest, and hurts American workers by bringing in relatively lower-paid foreign labour at the expense of the American workforce," Cuccinelli said.

According to the DHS, modifying the H-1B cap selection process by replacing the random selection process with a wage-level-based selection process is a better way to allocate H-1Bs when demand exceeds supply.

This new selection process would incentivise employers to offer higher wages or petition for positions requiring higher skills and higher-skilled workers instead of using the programme to fill relatively lower-paid vacancies.

The proposed changes would maintain the effective and efficient administration of the H-1B cap selection process while providing some prospective petitioners the ability to potentially improve their chance of selection by agreeing to pay H-1B beneficiaries higher wages that equal or exceed higher prevailing wage levels, it said.

This is necessary to further the administration's goal of prioritising H-1B cap-subject registrations for petitioners seeking to employ higher-skilled and higher paid workers, which is more aligned with the general congressional intent for the H-1B programme, the DHS said.

According to the federal notification, prioritising wage levels in the registration selection process incentivises employers to offer higher wages, or to petition for positions requiring higher skills that commensurate with higher wage levels, to increase the likelihood of selection for an eventual petition.

Similarly, it disincentivises abuse of the H-1B programme to fill lower-paid, lower-skilled positions, which is a significant problem under the present selection system. With limited exceptions, H-1B petitioners are not required to demonstrate a labour shortage as a prerequisite for obtaining H-1B workers, it said.

The number of H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those filed for the advanced degree exemption, has frequently exceeded the annual H-1B numerical allocations. 
For at least the last decade, USCIS has received more H-1B petitions than the annual H-1B numerical allocation in those respective years.

Since the fiscal 2014 cap season (April 2013), USCIS has received more H-1B petitions (or registrations) in the first five days of filing (or the initial registration period) than the annual H-1B numerical allocations.

The Trump administration has proposed to scrap the computerised lottery system to grant H-1B work visas to foreign technology professionals and replace it with a wage-level-based selection process, a move that is expected to counter the downward pressure on the wages of US workers.

The Trump administration has proposed to scrap the computerised lottery system to grant H-1B work visas to foreign technology professionals and replace it with a wage-level-based selection process, a move that is expected to counter the downward pressure on the wages of US workers. A notification on the new system is being published in the Federal Register on Thursday. Stakeholders have 30 days to respond to the notification, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday, less than a week before the US presidential election. Replacing the computerised draw of lots to decide on the successful H-1B applicants, the DHS said it is expected to help counter the downward pressure on the wages of American workers that is created by an annual influx of relatively lower-paid, new cap-subject H-1B workers. The H-1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. If finalised as proposed, US Citizenship and Immigration Services would first select registrations (or petitions, if the registration process is suspended) generally based on the highest Occupational Employment Statistics prevailing wage level that the offered wage equals or exceeds for the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code and areas of intended employment. "Prioritisation and selection based on wage levels better balances the interests of petitioners, H-1B workers, and U.S. Workers," the DHS said. "With this proposed rule, the Trump administration is continuing to deliver on its promise to protect the American worker while strengthening the economy. The H-1B programme is often exploited and abused by U.S. Employers, and their U.S. Clients, primarily seeking to hire foreign workers and pay lower wages," said Acting DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli. US President Donald Trump, keen to regulate the country's immigration policies, on June 22, signed the executive order temporarily banning issuing fresh H-1B and L-1 visas till December 31. Reforming America's immigration regime is a major election promise of the Republican leader under his America First policy. "The current use of random selection to allocate H-1B visas makes it harder for businesses to plan their hiring, fails to leverage the H-1B programme to truly compete for the world's best and brightest, and hurts American workers by bringing in relatively lower-paid foreign labour at the expense of the American workforce," Cuccinelli said. According to the DHS, modifying the H-1B cap selection process by replacing the random selection process with a wage-level-based selection process is a better way to allocate H-1Bs when demand exceeds supply. This new selection process would incentivise employers to offer higher wages or petition for positions requiring higher skills and higher-skilled workers instead of using the programme to fill relatively lower-paid vacancies. The proposed changes would maintain the effective and efficient administration of the H-1B cap selection process while providing some prospective petitioners the ability to potentially improve their chance of selection by agreeing to pay H-1B beneficiaries higher wages that equal or exceed higher prevailing wage levels, it said. This is necessary to further the administration's goal of prioritising H-1B cap-subject registrations for petitioners seeking to employ higher-skilled and higher paid workers, which is more aligned with the general congressional intent for the H-1B programme, the DHS said. According to the federal notification, prioritising wage levels in the registration selection process incentivises employers to offer higher wages, or to petition for positions requiring higher skills that commensurate with higher wage levels, to increase the likelihood of selection for an eventual petition. Similarly, it disincentivises abuse of the H-1B programme to fill lower-paid, lower-skilled positions, which is a significant problem under the present selection system. With limited exceptions, H-1B petitioners are not required to demonstrate a labour shortage as a prerequisite for obtaining H-1B workers, it said. The number of H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those filed for the advanced degree exemption, has frequently exceeded the annual H-1B numerical allocations. For at least the last decade, USCIS has received more H-1B petitions than the annual H-1B numerical allocation in those respective years. Since the fiscal 2014 cap season (April 2013), USCIS has received more H-1B petitions (or registrations) in the first five days of filing (or the initial registration period) than the annual H-1B numerical allocations.

Trump admin proposes to scrap computerised lottery system to select H-1B visas

The US State Department has proposed a new rule that will likely curb US companies to use the skill of foreign workers. The H-1B specialty occupations will allow companies to send their technology professionals for a short stay to complete jobs on-site in the US.

US firms face skilled labour shortage: H-1B visa allows to employ workers in specialty occupations

The Trump administration has relaxed certain provisions for H-1B visas, allowing people to come back for the same job in a similar position.&nbsp;

The US Department of State, in its advisory, permitted "travel by applicants seeking to resume ongoing employment in the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-makes-exception-to-visa-ban-h-1b-holders-can-enter-us-on-this-condition-320068">America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition</a>

In the latest advisory, the state department has also allowed children and spouse of primary visa holders to travel with them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-will-h1-b-visa-suspension-impact-indian-companies-307963">How will H1-B visa suspension impact Indian companies?</a>

This is the first relaxations given by the US administration following June 22 proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, which suspended the entry into the country under H-1B and L-1 visa categories. &nbsp;

The decision was taken as the coronavirus pandemic saw unemployment levels triggered by the coronavirus pandemic rising at record levels in the US.&nbsp;

With the new changes, people employed in in critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare and information technology, whose roles are important for their respective organisations to flourish are also allowed to get the visas.

The state department has issued five guidelines and the applicant must meet at least two of them to get a visa.&nbsp;

Healthcare personnel, people involved in COVID-19 research work, travelling to fulfil contractual obligations or because of a request by any US government agency will also be allowed entry into the US.

 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration has relaxed certain provisions for H-1B visas, allowing people to come back for the same job in a similar position. The US Department of State, in its advisory, permitted "travel by applicants seeking to resume ongoing employment in the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification".

The Trump administration has relaxed certain provisions for H-1B visas, allowing people to come back for the same job in a similar position. The US Department of State, in its advisory, permitted "travel by applicants seeking to resume ongoing employment in the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification". Also read | America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition In the latest advisory, the state department has also allowed children and spouse of primary visa holders to travel with them. Also read | How will H1-B visa suspension impact Indian companies? This is the first relaxations given by the US administration following June 22 proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, which suspended the entry into the country under H-1B and L-1 visa categories. The decision was taken as the coronavirus pandemic saw unemployment levels triggered by the coronavirus pandemic rising at record levels in the US. With the new changes, people employed in in critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare and information technology, whose roles are important for their respective organisations to flourish are also allowed to get the visas. The state department has issued five guidelines and the applicant must meet at least two of them to get a visa. Healthcare personnel, people involved in COVID-19 research work, travelling to fulfil contractual obligations or because of a request by any US government agency will also be allowed entry into the US.

Trump administration relaxes rules to get H-1B visas

Watch the story of an Indian H-1B visa holder unable to reunite with family in the US.

Indian H-1B visa holder unable to reunite with family in US

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States until the end of 2020.

Donald trump administration suspends H-1B, H-4 visas till year end

US President Donald Trump's move&nbsp;to stop issuing of H-1B visa and other work visas for the rest of the year may hurt the Indian IT industry's margins.

The proclamation that comes into effect on June 24, is expected to impact Indian IT professionals and several American and Indian companies who were issued H-1B visas by the US government for the fiscal year 2021 beginning October 1.

A Goldman Sachs Equity Research report said that Indian IT outsourcing companies have been consistently working towards reducing their reliance on H-1B/L1 visas since 2017, and focusing on the locally hired workforce to create more jobs in the US economy.

The Goldman Sachs report said local hires account for as much as 45-70 per cent of the employees in the US for the top 5 Indian IT service firms, reducing the dependence on H1-B visas. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-signs-executive-order-to-suspend-h-1b-visas-307833">Also Read: President Donald Trump signs executive order to suspend H-1B visas</a>

Meanwhile, industry body Nasscom has termed the proclamation as "misguided" and "harmful to the US economy" and said this could possibly force more work to be performed offshore since the local talent is not available in the country.&nbsp;

H-1B visas are designed for certain skilled workers such as those employed in science, engineering, and information technology fields, while H-2B visas are given to seasonal workers such as hotel and construction staff.

L-1 visas are meant for executives who work for large corporations and J-1 visas are issued to research scholars, professors and other cultural and work-exchange programs. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reform-h-1b-visa-system-move-towards-merit-based-immigration-trump-to-officials-307865">Also Read: Reform H-1B visa system; move towards merit-based immigration: Trump to officials</a>

Sundar Pichai, Indian-American CEO of Google, expressed disappointment over the proclamation, saying that immigration has contributed immensely to America''s economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google, the company it is today.

Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the H-1B programme, in particular, plays a crucial role in addressing the dangerous shortage of health care professionals while also providing other key sectors of our economy with talent from around the world to not only fill jobs, but create new ones.

Trump said that the step was essential to help millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's move to stop issuing of H-1B visa and other work visas for the rest of the year may hurt the Indian IT industry's margins. The proclamation that comes into effect on June 24, is expected to impact Indian IT professionals and several American and Indian companies who were issued H-1B visas by the US government for the fiscal year 2021 beginning October 1.

US President Donald Trump's move to stop issuing of H-1B visa and other work visas for the rest of the year may hurt the Indian IT industry's margins. The proclamation that comes into effect on June 24, is expected to impact Indian IT professionals and several American and Indian companies who were issued H-1B visas by the US government for the fiscal year 2021 beginning October 1. A Goldman Sachs Equity Research report said that Indian IT outsourcing companies have been consistently working towards reducing their reliance on H-1B/L1 visas since 2017, and focusing on the locally hired workforce to create more jobs in the US economy. The Goldman Sachs report said local hires account for as much as 45-70 per cent of the employees in the US for the top 5 Indian IT service firms, reducing the dependence on H1-B visas. Also Read: President Donald Trump signs executive order to suspend H-1B visas Meanwhile, industry body Nasscom has termed the proclamation as "misguided" and "harmful to the US economy" and said this could possibly force more work to be performed offshore since the local talent is not available in the country. H-1B visas are designed for certain skilled workers such as those employed in science, engineering, and information technology fields, while H-2B visas are given to seasonal workers such as hotel and construction staff. L-1 visas are meant for executives who work for large corporations and J-1 visas are issued to research scholars, professors and other cultural and work-exchange programs. Also Read: Reform H-1B visa system; move towards merit-based immigration: Trump to officials Sundar Pichai, Indian-American CEO of Google, expressed disappointment over the proclamation, saying that immigration has contributed immensely to America''s economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google, the company it is today. Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the H-1B programme, in particular, plays a crucial role in addressing the dangerous shortage of health care professionals while also providing other key sectors of our economy with talent from around the world to not only fill jobs, but create new ones. Trump said that the step was essential to help millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from PTI)

How will H1-B visa suspension impact Indian companies?

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials.

"That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected,"&nbsp;the daily reported.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals.

"The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made,"&nbsp;White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported.

Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas.

"As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump.

According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise.

He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said.

"Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs,"&nbsp;Donohue added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials. "That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected," the daily reported. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic. The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals. "The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported. Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas. "As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump. According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise. He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said. "Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs," Donohue added.

Fresh worry for Indian professionals as US considering suspending H-1B, other visas to tackle US unemployment

The United States is mulling to temporarily ban the issuance of&nbsp;work-based visas including&nbsp;H-1B, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, amidst the high level of unemployment due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers from countries like India and China in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The ban may even be extended to student visas, and work authorisation that accompanies them, as well.

"The president's immigration advisors are drawing up plans for a coming executive order, expected this month, that would ban the issuance of some new temporary, work-based visas," The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal report came a day after a group of four Republican Senators in a letter urged Trump to suspend all new guest worker visas for 60 days and some of its categories, including the H-1B visa, for at least the next year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels in the country.&nbsp;

Nearly 5,00,000 migrant workers are employed in the US in the H-1B status.&nbsp;

The order, the report said, is expected to focus on visa categories including H-1B, designed for highly skilled workers, and H-2B, for seasonal migrant workers, as well as student visas and the work authorization that accompanies them.

More than 33 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last two months due to the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the US economy to a grinding halt.

The IMF and the World Bank have projected a negative growth rate for the country. White House officials say that the US economy is likely to grow at negative 15 to 20 per cent in the second quarter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/american-dream-comes-crashing-down-as-over-200000-h-1b-workers-face-the-threat-of-losing-legal-status-by-june-295464">Also read |&nbsp;American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June</a>

The monthly jobs report on Friday said that the unemployment rate in the US for the month of April rose to 14.7 per cent.

To this end, The Wall Street Journal report added that the Trump administration, having temporarily closed borders and curtailed immigration in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is moving to expand those restrictions while the president's advisors push to leave them in place for months or even years to come.

Last month, Trump had signed an executive order temporarily barring new immigrants for 60 days, including family members of US citizens.

The coming changes, the administration has suggested, will build on this April action, the journal said.

Given the high level of unemployment and joblessness, according to the daily, senior administration officials are operating on the assumption that the public, during the pandemic, will be willing to accept new limits on immigration.

"Though the scope of the order hasn't yet been decided, administration officials said it could range from suspensions of entire visa categories to the creation of incentives to hire Americans in industries hardest-hit by layoffs," the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-priest-recites-vedic-prayer-from-yajurveda-at-white-house-on-national-day-of-prayer-297505">Also read |&nbsp;Hindu priest recites Vedic prayer from Yajurveda at White House on National Day of Prayer</a>

The United States is mulling to temporarily ban the issuance of work-based visas including H-1B, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, amidst the high level of unemployment due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

The United States is mulling to temporarily ban the issuance of work-based visas including H-1B, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, amidst the high level of unemployment due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers from countries like India and China in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The ban may even be extended to student visas, and work authorisation that accompanies them, as well. "The president's immigration advisors are drawing up plans for a coming executive order, expected this month, that would ban the issuance of some new temporary, work-based visas," The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The Wall Street Journal report came a day after a group of four Republican Senators in a letter urged Trump to suspend all new guest worker visas for 60 days and some of its categories, including the H-1B visa, for at least the next year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels in the country. Nearly 5,00,000 migrant workers are employed in the US in the H-1B status. The order, the report said, is expected to focus on visa categories including H-1B, designed for highly skilled workers, and H-2B, for seasonal migrant workers, as well as student visas and the work authorization that accompanies them. More than 33 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last two months due to the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the US economy to a grinding halt. The IMF and the World Bank have projected a negative growth rate for the country. White House officials say that the US economy is likely to grow at negative 15 to 20 per cent in the second quarter. Also read | American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June The monthly jobs report on Friday said that the unemployment rate in the US for the month of April rose to 14.7 per cent. To this end, The Wall Street Journal report added that the Trump administration, having temporarily closed borders and curtailed immigration in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is moving to expand those restrictions while the president's advisors push to leave them in place for months or even years to come. Last month, Trump had signed an executive order temporarily barring new immigrants for 60 days, including family members of US citizens. The coming changes, the administration has suggested, will build on this April action, the journal said. Given the high level of unemployment and joblessness, according to the daily, senior administration officials are operating on the assumption that the public, during the pandemic, will be willing to accept new limits on immigration. "Though the scope of the order hasn't yet been decided, administration officials said it could range from suspensions of entire visa categories to the creation of incentives to hire Americans in industries hardest-hit by layoffs," the report said. Also read | Hindu priest recites Vedic prayer from Yajurveda at White House on National Day of Prayer

Trump administration working to temporarily ban work-based visas, like H-1B: Report

Two lakh Indians in America are stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of US visa for 60 days last week.

Indians could lose their legal status by June after their H1-B visa expires.

The US is the worst affected country by the coronavirus pandemic in the world right now. Its deplorable condition has become&nbsp;a nightmare for the H1-B visa holders who can be forced to leave the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-to-suspend-immigration-to-us-for-60-days-294115">Trump signs executive order to suspend immigration to US for 60 days</a>

In the last five weeks, more than 26 million Americans have lost their jobs. This accounts for&nbsp;more than 15 percent of the country's&nbsp;workforce.

Unemployment filings have also shot up by a whopping three thousand per cent. This includes a vast majority of H1B visa holders.

While jobless Americans are entitled to unemployment benefits, H1-B&nbsp;holders do not have a cushion.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-defends-immigration-ban-into-us-citing-covid-19-294345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is noteworthy that&nbsp;an H1-B visa&nbsp;comes with strict conditions.&nbsp;It is tied to a specific location and an employee. A&nbsp;layoff means the person&nbsp;is no longer eligible to hold the visa.

Indians who have lost their jobs have 60 days to find a new one.&nbsp;

Unfortunately,&nbsp;this is the worst time to find a new job because the world is fighting a pandemic.

Although Indians filed a petition in the White House regarding the extension&nbsp;of the grace period from 60 to 180 days. But, the petition was closed due to lack of support.

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;has ordered a temporary freeze on immigration. He has always taken a firm stand against immigration.

Ever since he took&nbsp;office, the number of non-immigrant US&nbsp;visas issued has declined every year.

Two lakh Indians contend for one lakh&nbsp;forty thousand green cards which US issues in a year.&nbsp;The US NGOs have also been demanding to suspend&nbsp;new H1-B&nbsp;visas for a year so that unemployed Americans can find the means to sustain their&nbsp;livelihood.

Any future curbs would effectively end the American dream for several Indian citizens who are the biggest beneficiaries if the H1-B visa.

Two lakh Indians in America are stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of US visa for 60 days last week. Indians could lose their legal status by June after their H1-B visa expires.

Two lakh Indians in America are stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of US visa for 60 days last week. Indians could lose their legal status by June after their H1-B visa expires. The US is the worst affected country by the coronavirus pandemic in the world right now. Its deplorable condition has become a nightmare for the H1-B visa holders who can be forced to leave the country. Also read: Trump signs executive order to suspend immigration to US for 60 days In the last five weeks, more than 26 million Americans have lost their jobs. This accounts for more than 15 percent of the country's workforce. Unemployment filings have also shot up by a whopping three thousand per cent. This includes a vast majority of H1B visa holders. While jobless Americans are entitled to unemployment benefits, H1-B holders do not have a cushion. It is noteworthy that an H1-B visa comes with strict conditions. It is tied to a specific location and an employee. A layoff means the person is no longer eligible to hold the visa. Indians who have lost their jobs have 60 days to find a new one. Unfortunately, this is the worst time to find a new job because the world is fighting a pandemic. Although Indians filed a petition in the White House regarding the extension of the grace period from 60 to 180 days. But, the petition was closed due to lack of support. US President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary freeze on immigration. He has always taken a firm stand against immigration. Ever since he took office, the number of non-immigrant US visas issued has declined every year. Two lakh Indians contend for one lakh forty thousand green cards which US issues in a year. The US NGOs have also been demanding to suspend new H1-B visas for a year so that unemployed Americans can find the means to sustain their livelihood. Any future curbs would effectively end the American dream for several Indian citizens who are the biggest beneficiaries if the H1-B visa.

2 lakh Indians stuck in United States after Trump announces H1-B visa curbs

The Trump administration is proposing a hike in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-receives-proposed-regulation-to-end-work-authorisation-for-spouses-of-h1b-visa-holders-198848">H-1B visa</a> application fee to increase funding for the expansion of an apprentice programme, which trains American youths in technology-related activities, Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta told US lawmakers.

Testifying before a Congressional committee on annual budget of the Department of Labour for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, 2019, Acosta, however, did not give details of the proposed increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-new-h1b-rules-may-put-the-promised-land-out-of-bounds-for-indians-28456">H-1B</a> filing fee and as to which categories of applicants it would be enforced on.

But given past experience, the Indian IT companies, which account for a large number of H-1B applications, are likely to face the additional financial burden because of this proposed increase in H-1B filing fees.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Arguing that foreigners hurt American workers by competing for jobs and driving down wages, the Trump administration has tighten the noose around the H-1B visa programme. The Seattle Times on Monday reported that last year immigration officials denied nearly one out of every four requests for new visas for skilled foreign workers.

"In FY 2020, the Department's budget includes US $160 million to continue our expansion of apprenticeship programmes, along with a proposal to increase H-1B fee revenues to fund additional apprenticeship activities,"&nbsp;Acosta said in his testimony on May 2 before the Senate Appropriations Committee&nbsp;Subcommittee on Labour, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.

Acosta told lawmakers that last year the Department of Labour had launched the first-ever sector-based apprenticeship grant funding opportunity to invest US $150 million to expand apprenticeships in those in-demand industry sectors most often filled by individuals on H-1B visas, such as information technology, health care and advanced manufacturing.

This grant funding opportunity introduced an innovative approach: a 35 per cent private-sector match requirement. This brings the total investment to USD 202.5 million, US $57.7 million coming from the private sector, he said.

"As a result of this private sector match requirement, educators have a greater incentive to join with industry to ensure curricula address the needs of our ever-changing workplace, investing in the latest technologies and techniques, and providing more in-demand opportunities for Americans,"&nbsp;Acosta said.

On July 18 last year, the Department of Labour had announced US $150 million in H-1B funds to support sector-based approaches to expanding apprenticeships on a national scale in key industry sectors.

The focus is on industries reliant on H-1B visas. It aims at expanding apprenticeships and increase the level of apprenticeship activity among a range of new employers within these industries, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses.

Acosta also told lawmakers that the Labour Department has also made changes to the H-1B application forms to ensure greater transparency and better protect American workers from employers seeking to misuse the programme.

In fiscal 2018, the Department concluded 649 non-immigrant visa programme cases and found violations in 553 of those cases.

In a news story, Breitbart News said that every year, more than 100,000 foreign workers are brought to the US on the H-1B visa and are allowed to stay for up to six years. There are about 650,000 H-1B visa foreign workers in the US at any given moment, it added.

"Let's put our citizens first and protect US workers and wages. Hard-working and highly-skilled American men and women share their stories about H-1B visa fraud and abuse,? Congressman Paul Gosar said.&nbsp;

The Trump administration is proposing a hike in the H-1B visa application fee to increase funding for the expansion of an apprentice programme, which trains American youths in technology-related activities, Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta told US lawmakers.

The Trump administration is proposing a hike in the H-1B visa application fee to increase funding for the expansion of an apprentice programme, which trains American youths in technology-related activities, Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta told US lawmakers. Testifying before a Congressional committee on annual budget of the Department of Labour for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, 2019, Acosta, however, did not give details of the proposed increase in H-1B filing fee and as to which categories of applicants it would be enforced on. But given past experience, the Indian IT companies, which account for a large number of H-1B applications, are likely to face the additional financial burden because of this proposed increase in H-1B filing fees. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Arguing that foreigners hurt American workers by competing for jobs and driving down wages, the Trump administration has tighten the noose around the H-1B visa programme. The Seattle Times on Monday reported that last year immigration officials denied nearly one out of every four requests for new visas for skilled foreign workers. "In FY 2020, the Department's budget includes US $160 million to continue our expansion of apprenticeship programmes, along with a proposal to increase H-1B fee revenues to fund additional apprenticeship activities," Acosta said in his testimony on May 2 before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Labour, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. Acosta told lawmakers that last year the Department of Labour had launched the first-ever sector-based apprenticeship grant funding opportunity to invest US $150 million to expand apprenticeships in those in-demand industry sectors most often filled by individuals on H-1B visas, such as information technology, health care and advanced manufacturing. This grant funding opportunity introduced an innovative approach: a 35 per cent private-sector match requirement. This brings the total investment to USD 202.5 million, US $57.7 million coming from the private sector, he said. "As a result of this private sector match requirement, educators have a greater incentive to join with industry to ensure curricula address the needs of our ever-changing workplace, investing in the latest technologies and techniques, and providing more in-demand opportunities for Americans," Acosta said. On July 18 last year, the Department of Labour had announced US $150 million in H-1B funds to support sector-based approaches to expanding apprenticeships on a national scale in key industry sectors. The focus is on industries reliant on H-1B visas. It aims at expanding apprenticeships and increase the level of apprenticeship activity among a range of new employers within these industries, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses. Acosta also told lawmakers that the Labour Department has also made changes to the H-1B application forms to ensure greater transparency and better protect American workers from employers seeking to misuse the programme. In fiscal 2018, the Department concluded 649 non-immigrant visa programme cases and found violations in 553 of those cases. In a news story, Breitbart News said that every year, more than 100,000 foreign workers are brought to the US on the H-1B visa and are allowed to stay for up to six years. There are about 650,000 H-1B visa foreign workers in the US at any given moment, it added. "Let's put our citizens first and protect US workers and wages. Hard-working and highly-skilled American men and women share their stories about H-1B visa fraud and abuse,? Congressman Paul Gosar said.

US to propose hike in H-1B application fee: Labour Secretary

The White House has formally received the proposed changes in the existing regulations to end the work authorisation for certain categories of H1B foreign work visas.

The move that would impact over 90,000 spouses of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-encourage-talented-highly-skilled-people-to-pursue-career-in-us-trump-tweets-good-news-for-h1-b-holders-189645">H1B visa holders</a>, an overwhelming number of whom are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-maximum-among-h1b-visa-applicants-denial-by-us-at-all-time-high-finds-american-think-tank-156077">Indians</a>, was sent by the Department of Homeland Security to the White House Office of management for Budget on Wednesday, officials said.

It's now for the White House to take a final call on it, before a formal regulation in this regard could be issued and the Department of Homeland Security can inform a federal court, where a lawsuit on this issue is pending.

Now White House would carry out its review of the proposed regulation, take inputs from various agencies, before taking a final call. The entire process could take from a few weeks to several months.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which manages the programme said the proposed regulation was not final until the review and comment process was complete. As per the existing process, once White House gives its nod, the regulation would be published in federal register with a 30-day comment period.

It is only after that the new changes can come into effect. The Trump administration is moving ahead with its proposed regulation, despite strong resistance from a group of US lawmakers including Senator Kamala Harris, and Silicon Valley companies who argue that this is not only anti-women, but also prevents talented spouses of H1B visa holders from working in the United States.

Meanwhile, the US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia has extended the time for various stakeholders, including the Department of Homeland Security to submit its responses on the lawsuit against it filed by the organisation Save Jobs USA.

In September, Save Jobs USA which had filed the lawsuit urged the court to remove the abeyance and move forward with the case.

The case is before a three-member bench including Indian American Sree Srinivasan. The move comes after the Department of Homeland Security sought a stay on all existing deadlines because of the more than one-month-long partial shutdown of the federal government.

Save Jobs USA has expressed its disappointment over the slow progress on this issue.

The White House has formally received the proposed changes in the existing regulations to end the work authorisation for certain categories of H1B foreign work visas.

The White House has formally received the proposed changes in the existing regulations to end the work authorisation for certain categories of H1B foreign work visas. The move that would impact over 90,000 spouses of H1B visa holders, an overwhelming number of whom are Indians, was sent by the Department of Homeland Security to the White House Office of management for Budget on Wednesday, officials said. It's now for the White House to take a final call on it, before a formal regulation in this regard could be issued and the Department of Homeland Security can inform a federal court, where a lawsuit on this issue is pending. Now White House would carry out its review of the proposed regulation, take inputs from various agencies, before taking a final call. The entire process could take from a few weeks to several months. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which manages the programme said the proposed regulation was not final until the review and comment process was complete. As per the existing process, once White House gives its nod, the regulation would be published in federal register with a 30-day comment period. It is only after that the new changes can come into effect. The Trump administration is moving ahead with its proposed regulation, despite strong resistance from a group of US lawmakers including Senator Kamala Harris, and Silicon Valley companies who argue that this is not only anti-women, but also prevents talented spouses of H1B visa holders from working in the United States. Meanwhile, the US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia has extended the time for various stakeholders, including the Department of Homeland Security to submit its responses on the lawsuit against it filed by the organisation Save Jobs USA. In September, Save Jobs USA which had filed the lawsuit urged the court to remove the abeyance and move forward with the case. The case is before a three-member bench including Indian American Sree Srinivasan. The move comes after the Department of Homeland Security sought a stay on all existing deadlines because of the more than one-month-long partial shutdown of the federal government. Save Jobs USA has expressed its disappointment over the slow progress on this issue.

White House receives proposed regulation to end work authorisation for spouses of H1B visa holders

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">consulate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible</a>

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.S. President Donald Trump said was credible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-fourths-of-h1b-visa-holders-in-2018-are-indians-us-report-172413">Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report</a>

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. 
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-60-dead-in-amritsar-train-accident-centre-to-give-rs-2-lakh-to-kin-of-deceased-rs-50000-to-injured-172416">Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning on Saturday</a>

Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-is-south-indias-ayodhya-vhp-172417">Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP</a>

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">centres</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420"> open</a>

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.

Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.S. President Donald Trump said was credible. Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5. Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning on Saturday Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra. Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya. Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling centres open Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. 
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

Of these, 309,986 are Indians, the USCIS said in its report 'H-1B petitions by gender and country of birth fiscal year 2018'.

The report reveals a massive gender disparity ? only one out of every four H-1B visa holders is female. Of the 419,637 H-1B visa holders, 106,096 (or 25.3 per cent) are females as against 311,997 (or 74.3 per cent males), it said.

Gender disparity is wider among Indians.

Of the 309,986 Indians on H-1B visas in the US this October, only 63,220 or 20.4 per cent are females while nearly 245,517 Indians on H-1B visas or 80 per cent (79.2 per cent to be precise) are males.

As many as 1,249 Indians on H-1B visas have been characterised in the category of missing/others.

Indians, who account for 73.9 per cent of the total H-1B visa holders in the US, are followed by a distant Chinese with 47,172 on H-1B visas, accounting for 11.2 per cent of the total foreign nationals on this work visas.

But there is not much gender disparity among the Chinese on H-1B visas. According to the report, 21,342 or 45.2 per cent are females and 25,718 or 54.5 per cent are males.

After India and China, Canada and South Korea are the only two countries which account for a little over one per cent (1.1 per cent to be precise) each on H-1B visas.

After that all other countries constitute less than one per cent of the H-1B visas as of October 5.

The Philippines is the only country in top 10 H-1B visa holders wherein there are more females (1712 or 52.7 per cent) on H-1B visas than males (1519 or 46.7 per cent) on H-1B visas. As of October 5, as many as 3,250 professionals from the Philippines were on H-1B visas.

The H-1B gender report was released days after the Trump administration came out with its unified fall agenda, in which it said that it plans to make changes in the definition of specialty occupation for the definition of H-1B visas and re-redefining the relationship between employees and employers.

The proposed regulations, it said, is aimed at attracting the best and the brightest from across the world, prevent the abuse of H-1B visas which is consistent with the hire American agenda of the Trump administration.

The USCIS is also proposing to introduce a pre-registration system for foreign students in the US. Technically it is possible that if 85,000 such students succeed in getting H-1B visas, no overseas applicants could apply.&nbsp;

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5. Of these, 309,986 are Indians, the USCIS said in its report 'H-1B petitions by gender and country of birth fiscal year 2018'. The report reveals a massive gender disparity ? only one out of every four H-1B visa holders is female. Of the 419,637 H-1B visa holders, 106,096 (or 25.3 per cent) are females as against 311,997 (or 74.3 per cent males), it said. Gender disparity is wider among Indians. Of the 309,986 Indians on H-1B visas in the US this October, only 63,220 or 20.4 per cent are females while nearly 245,517 Indians on H-1B visas or 80 per cent (79.2 per cent to be precise) are males. As many as 1,249 Indians on H-1B visas have been characterised in the category of missing/others. Indians, who account for 73.9 per cent of the total H-1B visa holders in the US, are followed by a distant Chinese with 47,172 on H-1B visas, accounting for 11.2 per cent of the total foreign nationals on this work visas. But there is not much gender disparity among the Chinese on H-1B visas. According to the report, 21,342 or 45.2 per cent are females and 25,718 or 54.5 per cent are males. After India and China, Canada and South Korea are the only two countries which account for a little over one per cent (1.1 per cent to be precise) each on H-1B visas. After that all other countries constitute less than one per cent of the H-1B visas as of October 5. The Philippines is the only country in top 10 H-1B visa holders wherein there are more females (1712 or 52.7 per cent) on H-1B visas than males (1519 or 46.7 per cent) on H-1B visas. As of October 5, as many as 3,250 professionals from the Philippines were on H-1B visas. The H-1B gender report was released days after the Trump administration came out with its unified fall agenda, in which it said that it plans to make changes in the definition of specialty occupation for the definition of H-1B visas and re-redefining the relationship between employees and employers. The proposed regulations, it said, is aimed at attracting the best and the brightest from across the world, prevent the abuse of H-1B visas which is consistent with the hire American agenda of the Trump administration. The USCIS is also proposing to introduce a pre-registration system for foreign students in the US. Technically it is possible that if 85,000 such students succeed in getting H-1B visas, no overseas applicants could apply.

Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report

Indian IT companies have dramatically reduced their H-1B visa filings and foreign nationals are exhibiting reluctance to make the jump to a US company due to the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance, a top Silicon Valley newspaper has said.

San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board has said applicants for the H-1B visa programme are anticipating the hardest process in many years.

"That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," it said.

"Indian consulting firms, which have been accused of flooding the system with applications, have dramatically reduced their filings. Foreign nationals are exhibiting new reluctance to make the jump to a US company," the paper said as the process for filing H-1B visa application for the 2019 fiscal beginning October 1, kicked off.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The Trump administration's hard-line anti-immigration stance is taking its toll, the daily said.

Envoy Global, a technology-oriented immigration services provider, reports that 26 per cent of employers it surveyed have had to delay projects, and 22 per cent of them have relocated work overseas as a result of the current uncertainties in the US immigration system, San Francisco Chronicle said.

The daily argued that study after study has shown that foreign-born workers are good for the US economy and good for US-born workers.

"When companies are allowed to hire the workers with the best skills for the job, regardless of where those workers happen to have been born, their increased competitiveness boosts all the industries around them," it said.

According to The Wall Street Journal, evidence suggests market demand for H-1B visas is ebbing.

Daniel Culbertson, an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says "searches related to the H-1B visa, as a share of all searches on Indeed.Com, have consistently declined through 2017 and into 2018. In February 2018, searches for H-1B as a share of all searches on our site are down nine percent from 2017."

"This also marks the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. The decreased interest in H-1B related work from job seekers is a trend, not a temporary shift in preferences," he added.

The Wall Street Journal said corporations continue to struggle with a paradoxical labour market where 548,000 tech jobs remain open while unemployment in the technology sector hovers below full employment levels.

"There are lots of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them," it said.

"That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," said San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board

Indian IT companies have dramatically reduced their H-1B visa filings and foreign nationals are exhibiting reluctance to make the jump to a US company due to the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance, a top Silicon Valley newspaper has said. San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board has said applicants for the H-1B visa programme are anticipating the hardest process in many years. "That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," it said. "Indian consulting firms, which have been accused of flooding the system with applications, have dramatically reduced their filings. Foreign nationals are exhibiting new reluctance to make the jump to a US company," the paper said as the process for filing H-1B visa application for the 2019 fiscal beginning October 1, kicked off. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The Trump administration's hard-line anti-immigration stance is taking its toll, the daily said. Envoy Global, a technology-oriented immigration services provider, reports that 26 per cent of employers it surveyed have had to delay projects, and 22 per cent of them have relocated work overseas as a result of the current uncertainties in the US immigration system, San Francisco Chronicle said. The daily argued that study after study has shown that foreign-born workers are good for the US economy and good for US-born workers. "When companies are allowed to hire the workers with the best skills for the job, regardless of where those workers happen to have been born, their increased competitiveness boosts all the industries around them," it said. According to The Wall Street Journal, evidence suggests market demand for H-1B visas is ebbing. Daniel Culbertson, an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says "searches related to the H-1B visa, as a share of all searches on Indeed.Com, have consistently declined through 2017 and into 2018. In February 2018, searches for H-1B as a share of all searches on our site are down nine percent from 2017." "This also marks the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. The decreased interest in H-1B related work from job seekers is a trend, not a temporary shift in preferences," he added. The Wall Street Journal said corporations continue to struggle with a paradoxical labour market where 548,000 tech jobs remain open while unemployment in the technology sector hovers below full employment levels. "There are lots of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them," it said.

Indian companies dramatically reduced H1B visa filing: US daily

The process of filing petitions for H-1B visa has begun amidst unprecedented scrutiny by the United States President Donald Trump`s administration.&nbsp;

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is the federal agency responsible to process the visas, has indicated that there will be zero tolerance for even minor errors.&nbsp;

H-1B is considered as the most sought-after work visa among highly-skilled Indian professionals. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.&nbsp;

Earlier in March, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services had announced that it will temporarily be suspended the premium processing for the H-1B visa.&nbsp;

"The USCIS will begin accepting applications for the fiscal year 2019 (October 2018 to September 2019) from April 2. The suspension will last until September 10," the body had said.&nbsp;

"This temporary suspension will help us reduce overall H-1B processing times. By temporarily suspending premium processing, we will be able to process long-pending petitions, which we have currently been unable to process due to the high volume of incoming petitions and the significant surge in premium processing requests over the past few years," the USCIS added.&nbsp;

The Donald Trump administration recently announced a new measure, making the approval of H-1B visa more tougher.&nbsp;

As per the new policy, any company will have to make one more clarification to prove that its H-1B employee at a third-party worksite has specific and non-qualifying speculative assignments in a speciality occupation.&nbsp;

The updated policy is a part of Trump's "Buy American and Hire American" Executive Order, which directs to protect the interests of US workers.&nbsp;

According to the US administration officials, the scrutiny is needed to ensure the integrity of the controversial visa programme, which according to critics has cost American jobs.

The USCIS will begin accepting applications for the fiscal year 2019 (October 2018 to September 2019) from April 2

The process of filing petitions for H-1B visa has begun amidst unprecedented scrutiny by the United States President Donald Trump`s administration. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is the federal agency responsible to process the visas, has indicated that there will be zero tolerance for even minor errors. H-1B is considered as the most sought-after work visa among highly-skilled Indian professionals. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Earlier in March, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services had announced that it will temporarily be suspended the premium processing for the H-1B visa. "The USCIS will begin accepting applications for the fiscal year 2019 (October 2018 to September 2019) from April 2. The suspension will last until September 10," the body had said. "This temporary suspension will help us reduce overall H-1B processing times. By temporarily suspending premium processing, we will be able to process long-pending petitions, which we have currently been unable to process due to the high volume of incoming petitions and the significant surge in premium processing requests over the past few years," the USCIS added. The Donald Trump administration recently announced a new measure, making the approval of H-1B visa more tougher. As per the new policy, any company will have to make one more clarification to prove that its H-1B employee at a third-party worksite has specific and non-qualifying speculative assignments in a speciality occupation. The updated policy is a part of Trump's "Buy American and Hire American" Executive Order, which directs to protect the interests of US workers. According to the US administration officials, the scrutiny is needed to ensure the integrity of the controversial visa programme, which according to critics has cost American jobs.

'Tough' H-1B visa application process begins

The Trump administration wants all US visa applicants to submit details of their previous phone numbers, email addresses and social media histories as part of its "vetting" practice and to prevent entry of individuals who might pose a threat to the country.

In a document posted on the Federal Register yesterday, anyone who wants to come to the US on a non-immigrant visa will have to answer a list of questions under new rules.

The State Department estimates that the new visa forms would affect 710,000 immigrant and 14 million non-immigrant visa applicants.

It said that in addition to asking the visa applicants to provide their identifications or handles of their social media platform, they would also be asked to give details of their phone and mobile numbers used in the last five years.

Other questions seek five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses and international travel whether the visa applicant has been deported or removed from any country and whether specified family members have been involved in terrorist activities, said the document which would be formally published today.

After its publication, the public would have 60 days to comment on the proposed new visa form.

"One question lists multiple social media platforms and requires the applicant to provide any identifiers used by applicants for those platforms during the five years preceding the date of application," the document said.

It said the State Department will collect the information from visa applicants for "identity resolution and vetting purposes" based on statutory visa eligibility standards.

However, it intends not to routinely ask the question of applicants for specific visa classifications, such as most diplomatic and official visa applicants, it said.

The revised visa application forms will also include additional information regarding the visa medical examination that some applicants may be required to undergo.

The State Department estimates that the new visa forms would affect 710,000 immigrant visa applicants and 14 million non-immigrant visa applicants.&nbsp;

Anyone who wants to come to the US on a non-immigrant visa will have to answer a list of questions under new rules

The Trump administration wants all US visa applicants to submit details of their previous phone numbers, email addresses and social media histories as part of its "vetting" practice and to prevent entry of individuals who might pose a threat to the country. In a document posted on the Federal Register yesterday, anyone who wants to come to the US on a non-immigrant visa will have to answer a list of questions under new rules. The State Department estimates that the new visa forms would affect 710,000 immigrant and 14 million non-immigrant visa applicants. It said that in addition to asking the visa applicants to provide their identifications or handles of their social media platform, they would also be asked to give details of their phone and mobile numbers used in the last five years. Other questions seek five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses and international travel whether the visa applicant has been deported or removed from any country and whether specified family members have been involved in terrorist activities, said the document which would be formally published today. After its publication, the public would have 60 days to comment on the proposed new visa form. "One question lists multiple social media platforms and requires the applicant to provide any identifiers used by applicants for those platforms during the five years preceding the date of application," the document said. It said the State Department will collect the information from visa applicants for "identity resolution and vetting purposes" based on statutory visa eligibility standards. However, it intends not to routinely ask the question of applicants for specific visa classifications, such as most diplomatic and official visa applicants, it said. The revised visa application forms will also include additional information regarding the visa medical examination that some applicants may be required to undergo. The State Department estimates that the new visa forms would affect 710,000 immigrant visa applicants and 14 million non-immigrant visa applicants.

Now, US wants to know social media, phone details of visa applicants

The Trump administration has no qualms admitting immigrants who are skilled, employed and can speak English, a top official has said, while giving insight into what its merit-based system would look like.

Such individuals could be from any part of the world given that they fulfil the requirements, the official said.

If such a policy is developed and implemented, it could benefit individuals from countries like India, the majority of whom meet the criterion.

The Trump administration wants to reform the immigration system to serve the US&#39; national interest, the official said.

&quot;..And so, our position, is that a system that prioritises individuals based on their individual skills and merit will certainly produce better results than the system we have now,&quot; said a senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

&quot;We want to bring in individuals, wherever they may be from, who love this country, who love its people, who have skills, who have talent, who have -- who speak English, who are committed to supporting our values and our very way of life,&quot; said the official.

The official said some of the existing programmes for immigrants ignored such requirements which are important for individuals to succeed in the US.

&quot;So, what we have with the Diversity Lottery Program or through chain migration is that in these cases there are identified examples of individuals who were not selected to come to the US based on their love of this country, skills, merit, and individual attributes that will lead them to their success,&quot; the official said.

&quot;We would like to admit individuals from all backgrounds or any place in the world, based on their own individual merit and their likelihood of success, into the US,&quot; the official said.

The admission of any foreign national who goes on to commit a terrorism-related offense or who conspires to support terrorists is simply an unacceptable outcome for the US, no matter what, the official said.

&quot;Our goal is to eliminate terrorism in all of its forms, wherever it may emanate from,&quot; the official said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Trump administration has no qualms admitting immigrants who are skilled, employed and can speak English, a top official has said while giving insight into what its merit-based system would look like

The Trump administration has no qualms admitting immigrants who are skilled, employed and can speak English, a top official has said, while giving insight into what its merit-based system would look like. Such individuals could be from any part of the world given that they fulfil the requirements, the official said. If such a policy is developed and implemented, it could benefit individuals from countries like India, the majority of whom meet the criterion. The Trump administration wants to reform the immigration system to serve the US' national interest, the official said. "..And so, our position, is that a system that prioritises individuals based on their individual skills and merit will certainly produce better results than the system we have now," said a senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "We want to bring in individuals, wherever they may be from, who love this country, who love its people, who have skills, who have talent, who have -- who speak English, who are committed to supporting our values and our very way of life," said the official. The official said some of the existing programmes for immigrants ignored such requirements which are important for individuals to succeed in the US. "So, what we have with the Diversity Lottery Program or through chain migration is that in these cases there are identified examples of individuals who were not selected to come to the US based on their love of this country, skills, merit, and individual attributes that will lead them to their success," the official said. "We would like to admit individuals from all backgrounds or any place in the world, based on their own individual merit and their likelihood of success, into the US," the official said. The admission of any foreign national who goes on to commit a terrorism-related offense or who conspires to support terrorists is simply an unacceptable outcome for the US, no matter what, the official said. "Our goal is to eliminate terrorism in all of its forms, wherever it may emanate from," the official said.

Trump's new merit-based immigrant policy to benefit individuals from India

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-new-h1b-rules-may-put-the-promised-land-out-of-bounds-for-indians-28456" target="_blank"> H-1B work visa</a>, which is highly popular among Indian technology professionals, puts American workers at risk, a top Republican Senator has alleged.

The H-1B program offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-to-extend-6-month-visa-scheme-for-indian-students-to-find-jobs-27135" target="_blank">highly skilled foreign professionals </a>working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers.

But since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been cracking down on the scheme.

&quot;The H-1B visa is one programme that really puts American workers at risk,&quot; Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, said during a Congressional hearing on homeland security yesterday.

Noting that the population of H-1B workers in the US has been growing for decades, Grassely said, with that growth, comes an increased possibility of fraud or abuse.

&quot;..Both of which I have seen and called on the Department of Homeland Security, with the help of Department of Justice, to investigate and prosecute,&quot; he said.

Grassely even looked to put blame on the H-1B workers for &quot;stagnation&quot; of salaries in the technology sector.

&quot;The vast majority of these H-1B workers are employed in the technology sector, and we&#39;ve seen salaries in that industry stagnate for decades, at the same time the number of foreign tech workers keeps growing,&quot; he said.

The senator said he was encouraged that Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced several H-1B initiatives &quot;designed to protect American workers&quot;.

&quot;I hope that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would continue with its efforts to reign in abuses in a variety of foreign worker immigration categories,&quot; said Grassley.

Participating in the Congressional hearing, Senator Orrin Hatch asked Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen on reports of doing away with work authorisation of spouses of H-1B visa holders.

Nielsen did not give a direct answer to this. But did say the Department was looking into all of the visa categories.

Hatch also asked Nielsen about news reports on cancelling three-year extensions for H-1B visa holders who are being sponsored for green cards -- which can be a time-consuming process due to per-country green card limits.

&quot;I believe that Congress previously addressed this issue in 2000, and indicated its intent to allow such extensions. Can you tell me if the department is, in fact, considering ways to stop granting these three-year extensions? And, if so, why? And I&#39;d also be interested in hearing the department&#39;s explanation of how ending these extensions squares with the 2000 law,&quot; Hatch asked.

&quot;I&#39;m not familiar with the very specific example on H-1B, but I will get back to you immediately after this,&quot; replied the Secretary of Homeland Secretary.

The curb on H-1B visa extensions could result in self- deportation of an estimated 500,000-750,000 Indian Americans.

The proposal, which was part of President Donald Trump&#39;s &quot;Buy American, Hire American&quot; initiative that he vowed to launch on the campaign trail, is being drafted by Department of Homeland Security leaders, according to reports.&nbsp;

The H-1B program offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers

The H-1B work visa, which is highly popular among Indian technology professionals, puts American workers at risk, a top Republican Senator has alleged. The H-1B program offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers. But since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been cracking down on the scheme. "The H-1B visa is one programme that really puts American workers at risk," Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, said during a Congressional hearing on homeland security yesterday. Noting that the population of H-1B workers in the US has been growing for decades, Grassely said, with that growth, comes an increased possibility of fraud or abuse. "..Both of which I have seen and called on the Department of Homeland Security, with the help of Department of Justice, to investigate and prosecute," he said. Grassely even looked to put blame on the H-1B workers for "stagnation" of salaries in the technology sector. "The vast majority of these H-1B workers are employed in the technology sector, and we've seen salaries in that industry stagnate for decades, at the same time the number of foreign tech workers keeps growing," he said. The senator said he was encouraged that Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced several H-1B initiatives "designed to protect American workers". "I hope that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would continue with its efforts to reign in abuses in a variety of foreign worker immigration categories," said Grassley. Participating in the Congressional hearing, Senator Orrin Hatch asked Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen on reports of doing away with work authorisation of spouses of H-1B visa holders. Nielsen did not give a direct answer to this. But did say the Department was looking into all of the visa categories. Hatch also asked Nielsen about news reports on cancelling three-year extensions for H-1B visa holders who are being sponsored for green cards -- which can be a time-consuming process due to per-country green card limits. "I believe that Congress previously addressed this issue in 2000, and indicated its intent to allow such extensions. Can you tell me if the department is, in fact, considering ways to stop granting these three-year extensions? And, if so, why? And I'd also be interested in hearing the department's explanation of how ending these extensions squares with the 2000 law," Hatch asked. "I'm not familiar with the very specific example on H-1B, but I will get back to you immediately after this," replied the Secretary of Homeland Secretary. The curb on H-1B visa extensions could result in self- deportation of an estimated 500,000-750,000 Indian Americans. The proposal, which was part of President Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative that he vowed to launch on the campaign trail, is being drafted by Department of Homeland Security leaders, according to reports.

H1B visa puts American workers at risk: Republican Senator

The USA is the Promised Land for the Indian and Chinese, very much like Israel is for the Jews.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bright minds of India, particularly, the engineers and scientists soon after completing their college education head for the Promised Land. The US is the destination, destiny, the desire. The country is looked upon as the key to all earthly pleasures.

&nbsp;

But all that aspiration and the dreams woven around it stands jeopardised as the Trump administration plans to change H1-B visa rules. If implemented, 5 lakh techies working in the US may have to head back home.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump administration is working to prevent an extension of the H1B visa beyond the initial six years period. This means that the indefinite extension on the H1B visa that all applicants to the Green Card previously used to get now will not be available. Consequently, on the completion of the 6 years of H1B visa period, one has to return to one&#39;s homeland. Though no one is still sure as to how the technicality of the entire procedure will work, the reality could well be something similar to self-deportation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For an Indian, the average waiting period for the Green Card is about 10 years. If I am giving up my life and profession in the US and coming to back to start fresh in India, why will I take the trouble to go back to the US and start from the scratch?

&nbsp;

The Trump administration is here surely washing its hands off of all the legal immigrants aspiring to be American citizens. The Promised Land stands bereft of all promises if the bills get passed. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

H1-B visa has been at the pivot of controversy through Trump&#39;s presidential campaign, accentuating, particularly, after his ascension to the White House. Trump had been insisting to make immigration in the US a thoroughly merit-based system. He wanted to stop illegal immigration and, as his rhetorics revealed, he was not receptive to the idea of family-based immigration either.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the crucial point I raised in one of my earlier article which stands even more relevant now with the current pronouncement is how is Trump administration going to reconcile its &quot;Buy American, Hire American&quot; policy with a merit-based immigration strategy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Allow me to explain. If Trump decided to follow an entirely merit-based immigration system, the administration will have to allow in individuals with highest professional degrees. Their skill being the primary criterion of entry, such people will obviously dominate the job market. Apart from doing away with threats these qualified professional foreign force will pose to US citizens, the Trump administration is forcing corporations to match up with the salaries they are expected to pay to US citizens who come equally qualified for the jobs but were not succeeding because of the low pay scale at which Indian and Chinese usually agreed to work.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The low pay-scale at which Indians agreed to work in the US-based tech companies had earned them the pejorative epithet of &quot;tech coolies&quot;, that is, manual tech labourer or the blue-collar engineers of the tech world. Many have opined that the steps proposed by the Trump administration will force tech companies to pay a more equitable wage that will improve the prospect of American citizens.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the fallacy of the situation is that the Trump administration is committing is to make salary the basis for judging merit. The High Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act, introduced by Congressperson Zoe Lofgren of California, would raise H-1B holders&#39; minimum salaries to the US $130,000. Doing this would mean, losing out a significant number of talents in the field that are crucial but not well-paid. For instance, the average salary of a fire protection and fuel engineer is $130,000 and $123,000 respectively. Whereas a computer engineer on an average earns $121,245&nbsp; and healthcare facility engineer gets $120,027.

&nbsp;

Clearly, fixing such wage ceiling, along with the proposed H1B Bill, is surely go against India&#39;s interest. This is something which India&#39;s Finance minister Arun Jaitley raised with the US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in the past.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Interestingly, while the Trump administration and the President himself have shown much keenness in forging a strong bond with India in its fight against terrorism, it is holding no bar to upset its new ally in an economically sensitive issue. It is yet to be seen how the Modi government which has been nothing short of friendly to Trump, a much-hated figure elsewhere, deals with these challenging circumstances.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Trump administration is here surely washing its hands off of all the legal immigrants, meritorious or not, aspiring to be American citizens.

The USA is the Promised Land for the Indian and Chinese, very much like Israel is for the Jews. Bright minds of India, particularly, the engineers and scientists soon after completing their college education head for the Promised Land. The US is the destination, destiny, the desire. The country is looked upon as the key to all earthly pleasures. But all that aspiration and the dreams woven around it stands jeopardised as the Trump administration plans to change H1-B visa rules. If implemented, 5 lakh techies working in the US may have to head back home. Trump administration is working to prevent an extension of the H1B visa beyond the initial six years period. This means that the indefinite extension on the H1B visa that all applicants to the Green Card previously used to get now will not be available. Consequently, on the completion of the 6 years of H1B visa period, one has to return to one's homeland. Though no one is still sure as to how the technicality of the entire procedure will work, the reality could well be something similar to self-deportation. For an Indian, the average waiting period for the Green Card is about 10 years. If I am giving up my life and profession in the US and coming to back to start fresh in India, why will I take the trouble to go back to the US and start from the scratch? The Trump administration is here surely washing its hands off of all the legal immigrants aspiring to be American citizens. The Promised Land stands bereft of all promises if the bills get passed. H1-B visa has been at the pivot of controversy through Trump's presidential campaign, accentuating, particularly, after his ascension to the White House. Trump had been insisting to make immigration in the US a thoroughly merit-based system. He wanted to stop illegal immigration and, as his rhetorics revealed, he was not receptive to the idea of family-based immigration either. But the crucial point I raised in one of my earlier article which stands even more relevant now with the current pronouncement is how is Trump administration going to reconcile its "Buy American, Hire American" policy with a merit-based immigration strategy. Allow me to explain. If Trump decided to follow an entirely merit-based immigration system, the administration will have to allow in individuals with highest professional degrees. Their skill being the primary criterion of entry, such people will obviously dominate the job market. Apart from doing away with threats these qualified professional foreign force will pose to US citizens, the Trump administration is forcing corporations to match up with the salaries they are expected to pay to US citizens who come equally qualified for the jobs but were not succeeding because of the low pay scale at which Indian and Chinese usually agreed to work. The low pay-scale at which Indians agreed to work in the US-based tech companies had earned them the pejorative epithet of "tech coolies", that is, manual tech labourer or the blue-collar engineers of the tech world. Many have opined that the steps proposed by the Trump administration will force tech companies to pay a more equitable wage that will improve the prospect of American citizens. But the fallacy of the situation is that the Trump administration is committing is to make salary the basis for judging merit. The High Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act, introduced by Congressperson Zoe Lofgren of California, would raise H-1B holders' minimum salaries to the US $130,000. Doing this would mean, losing out a significant number of talents in the field that are crucial but not well-paid. For instance, the average salary of a fire protection and fuel engineer is $130,000 and $123,000 respectively. Whereas a computer engineer on an average earns $121,245 and healthcare facility engineer gets $120,027. Clearly, fixing such wage ceiling, along with the proposed H1B Bill, is surely go against India's interest. This is something which India's Finance minister Arun Jaitley raised with the US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in the past. Interestingly, while the Trump administration and the President himself have shown much keenness in forging a strong bond with India in its fight against terrorism, it is holding no bar to upset its new ally in an economically sensitive issue. It is yet to be seen how the Modi government which has been nothing short of friendly to Trump, a much-hated figure elsewhere, deals with these challenging circumstances. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: New H1B rules may put the 'Promised Land' out of bounds for Indians

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-begins-crackdown-on-h1b-visa-programme-14144" target="_blank">US has resumed fast processing of H-1B work visas</a> in all categories subject to Congress-mandated limit, five months after it was suspended temporarily to handle the huge rush of applications for the work visas popular among Indian IT professionals.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-techies-it-firms-fret-as-trump-orders-h-1b-visa-review-14775" target="_blank">Premium processing of H-1B visa was suspended in April</a> to handle huge rush of new petitions.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) resumed premium processing yesterday for all H-1B visa petitions subject to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 cap, a media release said.

The FY 2018 cap has been set at 65,000. Premium processing has also been resumed for the annual 20,000 additional petitions that are set aside to hire workers with a US higher educational degree, it said.

When a petitioner requests the agency&#39;s premium processing service, USCIS guarantees a 15-day processing time.

&quot;If the 15- calendar day processing time is not met, the agency will refund the petitioner&#39;s premium processing service fee and continue with the expedited processing of the application,&quot; the USCIS said.

It said adding that the service is only available for pending petitions, not new submissions since USCIS received enough petitions in April to meet the FY 2018 cap.

In addition to the resumption of premium processing for H-1B visa petitions subject to the FY 2018 cap, USCIS previously resumed premium processing H-1B petitions filed on behalf of physicians under the Conrad 30 waiver programme, as well as interested government agency waivers and for certain H-1B petitions that are not subject to the cap.

&quot;Premium processing remains temporarily suspended for all other H-1B petitions, such as extensions of stay,&quot; the USCIS said, adding that it plans to resume premium processing for all other remaining H-1B petitions not subject to the FY 2018 cap, as agency workloads permit.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise

The US has resumed fast processing of H-1B work visas in all categories subject to Congress-mandated limit, five months after it was suspended temporarily to handle the huge rush of applications for the work visas popular among Indian IT professionals. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year. Premium processing of H-1B visa was suspended in April to handle huge rush of new petitions. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) resumed premium processing yesterday for all H-1B visa petitions subject to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 cap, a media release said. The FY 2018 cap has been set at 65,000. Premium processing has also been resumed for the annual 20,000 additional petitions that are set aside to hire workers with a US higher educational degree, it said. When a petitioner requests the agency's premium processing service, USCIS guarantees a 15-day processing time. "If the 15- calendar day processing time is not met, the agency will refund the petitioner's premium processing service fee and continue with the expedited processing of the application," the USCIS said. It said adding that the service is only available for pending petitions, not new submissions since USCIS received enough petitions in April to meet the FY 2018 cap. In addition to the resumption of premium processing for H-1B visa petitions subject to the FY 2018 cap, USCIS previously resumed premium processing H-1B petitions filed on behalf of physicians under the Conrad 30 waiver programme, as well as interested government agency waivers and for certain H-1B petitions that are not subject to the cap. "Premium processing remains temporarily suspended for all other H-1B petitions, such as extensions of stay," the USCIS said, adding that it plans to resume premium processing for all other remaining H-1B petitions not subject to the FY 2018 cap, as agency workloads permit.

US resumes premium processing of H-1B visas

The world often wondered, how did Donald Trump win the US election. Well, he won through bullshitting.&nbsp;

Tired, scared and struggling from job loss, declining wages and endless military engagement in the Middle East, the American citizens bought into Trump&rsquo;s endless bullshit on illegal immigration. Courtesy the rhetoric used during the election campaign, America&rsquo;s economic revival suddenly became contingent on issues related to immigration. Migrants, legal or otherwise, Trump argued, is taking away jobs of Americans. It is the economic rights of Americans he professed to protect, and pleaded votes based on the claim.

It is about time that we decode the presidential bullshit on immigrants and their role (or lack of it) in the American life. Of course, by now as protestations flowed from the IT sector, Trump has learned to hammer down only on illegal immigrants, blaming them for all of the country&rsquo;s ills, from crime to depleted national resources. As far as foreign professionals are concerned, the president sounds more welcoming. Beneath the differential approach, however, lurks a greater danger: the President is cooking up a binary between illegal immigrants and merit-based immigration. As if the immigrant communities in the US can be divided into these two groups only.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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<h5>The President does not say how these family-based immigrant groups would fare in his fight against illegal entry and his preference for merit-based immigration.</h5>
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&nbsp;

Trump does not come out in the open to say what his government&rsquo;s position will be on family-based immigration, which constitutes by far the majority among those getting immigrant visas. The President does not say how these family-based immigrant groups would fare in his fight against illegal entry and his preference for merit-based immigration. Family-based immigration, as per the law of the land, is not contingent upon merit but is based on family ties. The US government allows 2, 26, 000 Family Preference Immigrant visas and an unlimited number of Immediate Relative &amp; Family Sponsored visas each year. These forms of immigration are not illegal but with the President prioritising only on merit, there is nothing yet on what he proposed to do with these two categories.&nbsp;

A large section of the media is also buying into the President&rsquo;s false concocted binaries without pointing out that merit-based immigration and illegal immigration are two separate issues. They operate through separate channels, involve different demographics and involve completely different job descriptions. Stopping illegal immigration will not necessarily mean that merit-based immigration will increase in the US. A whole set of measures has to be taken to achieve that goal, not to mention sweeping immigration reforms. And, it is still not clear how is merit-based immigration compatible with Trump&rsquo;s &ldquo;hire Americans&rdquo; motto.&nbsp;

Trump&rsquo;s policies, particularly, his immigration policies are replete with such contradictions. The President is short of lying but in keeping the contradiction unresolved, he is bullshitting his country, that is, in traversing the twilight zone between truth and false information, President Trump continues to make unsubstantiated statements.&nbsp;

Trump&rsquo;s rant against illegal immigrants has no basis in the reality of the immigration scenario in the US. America does have millions of illegal immigrants living in the country. In fact, with Russia and India, United States counts as the top destination for immigrants who have crossed over illegally. But having said that, unauthorised immigrants represented 3.4 per cent of the total U.S. population in 2015 and it has undergone a small but statistically significant decline since 2009 when there were 11 million illegal immigrants in the US.

&nbsp;

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<h5>In all other industries and forms of occupation, President Trump should know, illegal immigrants&nbsp;are outnumbered by U.S.-born workers</h5>
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&nbsp;

To claim that these illegal immigrants are taking away the jobs of the American citizens or claiming state benefits, shows a lack of connection to ground reality. These illegal immigrants are mostly employed in the farming and construction sectors. In all other industries and forms of occupation, President Trump should know, illegal immigrants&nbsp;are outnumbered by U.S.-born workers. Moreover, as illegal aliens, these immigrants receive no benefits from the government. Even if we set aside the humanitarian aspect of illegal immigration as to what forces individuals to leave their homeland for unknown places, there are numbers that the president ignores to garner mass support for his immigration policy. It is for time to tell how long the world and, more particularly, his own countrymen allow him to go on bullshitting on the impact of illegal immigration on the realisation of the American dream.&nbsp;

President Trump is particularly fond of musing over lost American greatness and how he plans to revive it. Though the &ldquo;America First&rdquo; movement is fast gaining steam in the US, Trump balances it with his claims to initiate merit-based immigration in the country. Courtesy the hullabaloo he has successfully created, we have largely forgotten that the US always have had merit-based immigration.The 90,000 strong individuals who go to work in the US with an H1B visa get through because they have the merit. Huge multi-national corporations hire employees from all over the world and spend millions of dollars on them to send them to the US.&nbsp;

Let&rsquo;s not define merit here in terms abstract superior intellect. In countries following merit-based immigration system, points are awarded based on your last degree. In the US, degree matters but more importantly, the immigration office grants entry based on whether the individual has been able to secure a job in the US market commensurate with his/her degree.&nbsp;

H1B visa holders come with at least a university degree and sometimes even with a Ph.D. Without a job offer from a reputable, well-established and registered company in the US, it is impossible to get an H1B visa. In the long tedious process of H1B visa application and during the visa interview too, one has to prove, as per the visa regulation, the job falls into the category of &quot;specialty occupation&quot; and not just any job. That means one cannot get an H1B visa from India to work as a secretary in any office, or be a bartender, or be a professional driver. &nbsp;

Trump professes that he wants meritorious people to come to work in the US. But action speaks louder than words. President Trump has not done anything so far which would prove he is serious to retain talent from overseas. Far from increasing the annual &ldquo;cap&rdquo; of H1B visa, Trump is yet to implement Obama administration&rsquo;s proposal to increase the &ldquo;cap exempt&rdquo; category for non-profit hospitals, as well as educational and research institutions. Most meritorious professionals in the US who work in research and academic institutions fall in this cap. Many of the corporations could use this &ldquo;cap exempt&rdquo; category to hire bright professionals, irrespective of their national origin.

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<h5>But aside from the mindless chatter about attracting talents to build a new America which, incidentally, completely contradicts &ldquo;hire American&rdquo; policy, another crucial mistake that the Trump administration is committing is to make salary the basis of judging merit.</h5>
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&nbsp;

But aside from the mindless chatter about attracting talents to build a new America which, incidentally, completely contradicts &ldquo;hire American&rdquo; policy, another crucial mistake that the Trump administration is committing is to make salary the basis of judging merit. The High Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act, introduced by Congressperson Zoe Lofgren of California, would raise H-1B holders&#39; minimum salaries to the US $130,000. Doing this would mean, losing out a significant number of talents in the field that are crucial but not well-paid. For instance, the average salary of a fire protection and fuel engineer is $130,000 and $123,000 respectively. Whereas a computer engineer on an average earns $121,245&nbsp; and healthcare facility engineer gets $120,027.

Under the circumstance, Asian countries, particularly India and China which have been supplying the largest number of IT professionals to the US, are all poised to lose significantly. The Indian government knows this perfectly. In meeting with the US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, India&rsquo;s Finance minister Arun Jaitley raised India&rsquo;s concerns over the Trump administration&rsquo;s move to tighten the H-1B visa regime. The main concern of the minister in alignment with IT industry has been that most Indian professionals, who go to the USA with an H1B visa, stay there for a short term. Under the circumstance, they can never match the $130,000 proposed salary ceiling.

Contradictions and ambiguities replete Trump&rsquo;s immigration policy but he is yet to face stiff opposition on that count. The reason he is getting away with this is, people do not see how the President of United States is operating in the twilight zone; in matters of immigration policy, at least, Trump is not lying but he is not telling the truth either. Rather, he very cleverly waits for his audience to interpret his message according to their conviction. So, if one thinks Mexicans are taking away American jobs, the person will support the &ldquo;Wall&rdquo;; on the other hand, if one thinks, in a free-market economy, the state can&rsquo;t control employment, they will support Trump&rsquo;s merit-based immigration policy. It is because of this fragmented approach that Trump is walking away victorious.

Thus, only a holistic approach with eyes open to the ground reality will ensure that the President does not get away with bullshitting the American citizens and world population at large.

It is about time that we decode the presidential bullshit on immigrants and their role (or lack of it) in the American life.

The world often wondered, how did Donald Trump win the US election. Well, he won through bullshitting. Tired, scared and struggling from job loss, declining wages and endless military engagement in the Middle East, the American citizens bought into Trump’s endless bullshit on illegal immigration. Courtesy the rhetoric used during the election campaign, America’s economic revival suddenly became contingent on issues related to immigration. Migrants, legal or otherwise, Trump argued, is taking away jobs of Americans. It is the economic rights of Americans he professed to protect, and pleaded votes based on the claim. It is about time that we decode the presidential bullshit on immigrants and their role (or lack of it) in the American life. Of course, by now as protestations flowed from the IT sector, Trump has learned to hammer down only on illegal immigrants, blaming them for all of the country’s ills, from crime to depleted national resources. As far as foreign professionals are concerned, the president sounds more welcoming. Beneath the differential approach, however, lurks a greater danger: the President is cooking up a binary between illegal immigrants and merit-based immigration. As if the immigrant communities in the US can be divided into these two groups only. The President does not say how these family-based immigrant groups would fare in his fight against illegal entry and his preference for merit-based immigration. × Trump does not come out in the open to say what his government’s position will be on family-based immigration, which constitutes by far the majority among those getting immigrant visas. The President does not say how these family-based immigrant groups would fare in his fight against illegal entry and his preference for merit-based immigration. Family-based immigration, as per the law of the land, is not contingent upon merit but is based on family ties. The US government allows 2, 26, 000 Family Preference Immigrant visas and an unlimited number of Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored visas each year. These forms of immigration are not illegal but with the President prioritising only on merit, there is nothing yet on what he proposed to do with these two categories. A large section of the media is also buying into the President’s false concocted binaries without pointing out that merit-based immigration and illegal immigration are two separate issues. They operate through separate channels, involve different demographics and involve completely different job descriptions. Stopping illegal immigration will not necessarily mean that merit-based immigration will increase in the US. A whole set of measures has to be taken to achieve that goal, not to mention sweeping immigration reforms. And, it is still not clear how is merit-based immigration compatible with Trump’s “hire Americans” motto. Trump’s policies, particularly, his immigration policies are replete with such contradictions. The President is short of lying but in keeping the contradiction unresolved, he is bullshitting his country, that is, in traversing the twilight zone between truth and false information, President Trump continues to make unsubstantiated statements. Trump’s rant against illegal immigrants has no basis in the reality of the immigration scenario in the US. America does have millions of illegal immigrants living in the country. In fact, with Russia and India, United States counts as the top destination for immigrants who have crossed over illegally. But having said that, unauthorised immigrants represented 3.4 per cent of the total U.S. population in 2015 and it has undergone a small but statistically significant decline since 2009 when there were 11 million illegal immigrants in the US. In all other industries and forms of occupation, President Trump should know, illegal immigrants are outnumbered by U.S.-born workers × To claim that these illegal immigrants are taking away the jobs of the American citizens or claiming state benefits, shows a lack of connection to ground reality. These illegal immigrants are mostly employed in the farming and construction sectors. In all other industries and forms of occupation, President Trump should know, illegal immigrants are outnumbered by U.S.-born workers. Moreover, as illegal aliens, these immigrants receive no benefits from the government. Even if we set aside the humanitarian aspect of illegal immigration as to what forces individuals to leave their homeland for unknown places, there are numbers that the president ignores to garner mass support for his immigration policy. It is for time to tell how long the world and, more particularly, his own countrymen allow him to go on bullshitting on the impact of illegal immigration on the realisation of the American dream. President Trump is particularly fond of musing over lost American greatness and how he plans to revive it. Though the “America First” movement is fast gaining steam in the US, Trump balances it with his claims to initiate merit-based immigration in the country. Courtesy the hullabaloo he has successfully created, we have largely forgotten that the US always have had merit-based immigration.The 90,000 strong individuals who go to work in the US with an H1B visa get through because they have the merit. Huge multi-national corporations hire employees from all over the world and spend millions of dollars on them to send them to the US. Let’s not define merit here in terms abstract superior intellect. In countries following merit-based immigration system, points are awarded based on your last degree. In the US, degree matters but more importantly, the immigration office grants entry based on whether the individual has been able to secure a job in the US market commensurate with his/her degree. H1B visa holders come with at least a university degree and sometimes even with a Ph.D. Without a job offer from a reputable, well-established and registered company in the US, it is impossible to get an H1B visa. In the long tedious process of H1B visa application and during the visa interview too, one has to prove, as per the visa regulation, the job falls into the category of "specialty occupation" and not just any job. That means one cannot get an H1B visa from India to work as a secretary in any office, or be a bartender, or be a professional driver. Trump professes that he wants meritorious people to come to work in the US. But action speaks louder than words. President Trump has not done anything so far which would prove he is serious to retain talent from overseas. Far from increasing the annual “cap” of H1B visa, Trump is yet to implement Obama administration’s proposal to increase the “cap exempt” category for non-profit hospitals, as well as educational and research institutions. Most meritorious professionals in the US who work in research and academic institutions fall in this cap. Many of the corporations could use this “cap exempt” category to hire bright professionals, irrespective of their national origin. But aside from the mindless chatter about attracting talents to build a new America which, incidentally, completely contradicts “hire American” policy, another crucial mistake that the Trump administration is committing is to make salary the basis of judging merit. × But aside from the mindless chatter about attracting talents to build a new America which, incidentally, completely contradicts “hire American” policy, another crucial mistake that the Trump administration is committing is to make salary the basis of judging merit. The High Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act, introduced by Congressperson Zoe Lofgren of California, would raise H-1B holders' minimum salaries to the US $130,000. Doing this would mean, losing out a significant number of talents in the field that are crucial but not well-paid. For instance, the average salary of a fire protection and fuel engineer is $130,000 and $123,000 respectively. Whereas a computer engineer on an average earns $121,245 and healthcare facility engineer gets $120,027. Under the circumstance, Asian countries, particularly India and China which have been supplying the largest number of IT professionals to the US, are all poised to lose significantly. The Indian government knows this perfectly. In meeting with the US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, India’s Finance minister Arun Jaitley raised India’s concerns over the Trump administration’s move to tighten the H-1B visa regime. The main concern of the minister in alignment with IT industry has been that most Indian professionals, who go to the USA with an H1B visa, stay there for a short term. Under the circumstance, they can never match the $130,000 proposed salary ceiling. Contradictions and ambiguities replete Trump’s immigration policy but he is yet to face stiff opposition on that count. The reason he is getting away with this is, people do not see how the President of United States is operating in the twilight zone; in matters of immigration policy, at least, Trump is not lying but he is not telling the truth either. Rather, he very cleverly waits for his audience to interpret his message according to their conviction. So, if one thinks Mexicans are taking away American jobs, the person will support the “Wall”; on the other hand, if one thinks, in a free-market economy, the state can’t control employment, they will support Trump’s merit-based immigration policy. It is because of this fragmented approach that Trump is walking away victorious. Thus, only a holistic approach with eyes open to the ground reality will ensure that the President does not get away with bullshitting the American citizens and world population at large.

How Donald Trump gets by: By operating in the twilight zone between truth and falsity

For Grishma, an Indian software designer, President Donald Trump&#39;s review of the visa programme for bringing highly skilled workers into the United States comes at a bad time.

Fresh from gaining a master&#39;s degree in Europe, and with an offer of employment from a well-known US design firm, she was well on her way to fulfilling the ambition of many young Indian IT workers -- a dream job in America.

But as she waits in the H-1B visa queue for the green light, she is caught in a bind.

&quot;It&#39;s a weird time to be applying, with all the scrutiny,&quot; said Grishma, who gave only her first name for fear of jeopardising her chances of getting a visa.

The United States has already suspended the &quot;expedited processing option&quot; for applicants, under which she may have received a visa in weeks.

More broadly, uncertainty over the review announced this week has unsettled Grishma and many others like her.

She will have to wait until at least around August to learn her fate, but having accepted the US&nbsp;job offer she is not in a position to apply for positions elsewhere, including in Europe.

&quot;It&#39;s pretty debilitating,&quot; Grishma told Reuters. &quot;I&#39;d like to start work to mitigate the financial damage.&quot;

Trump&#39;s decision was not a huge surprise, given his election campaign pledge to put American jobs first.

But the executive order he signed, though vague in many areas, has prompted thousands of foreign workers already in the United States or applying for visas to work there to re-think their plans. Companies who send them also face huge uncertainty.

The concerns are particularly acute in India, where IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd are top beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme, using it to send computer engineers to service clients in the United States, their largest overseas market.

Companies and staff realign

Experts say Trump&#39;s order to review visa processes is aimed at firms like TCS, Infosys and Wipro, which from 2005-14 snagged around 86,000 H-1B visas, roughly equivalent to the number of H-1B visas the United States issues in total each year.

Two industry sources said Infosys, India&#39;s No&nbsp;2 information technology (IT) services company, is applying for just under 1,000 H-1B visas this year, which one of the sources said was down from 6,500 applications in 2016 and some 9,000 in 2015.

It was not clear whether the sharp reduction in 2017 was in direct response to Trump&#39;s presidency, although the company has said for some time it wanted to cut dependence on &quot;fly-in&quot; staff.

TCS, Infosys and Wipro said they would not share data on the number of H-1B visas they had applied for this year.

With fewer visas going to Infosys, more might become available for smaller IT companies and big US&nbsp;tech companies, like Facebook and Microsoft Corp, that typically send in fewer H-1B applications each year.

US-based immigration lawyer Murali Bashyam, managing partner of Bashyam Spiro LLP which advises and works with small to mid-sized Indian IT firms, said clients had been in contact seeking clarity, while the number of visa applicants had fallen.

&quot;I think the reason for that is they get the sense that it&#39;s going to get so much tougher to comply with all of the changes ... that it might not be worth their money,&quot; he said.

&quot;There is a fear that radical immigration changes are coming, and if those radical immigration changes come then it could completely change the way IT staffing companies do business.&quot;

Bashyam said the number of people on H-1B visas already working in the United States who were considering returning to their home country had risen.

An engineer working at Cisco, who has been in the United States since 2011, said that three months ago he would not have considered returning to India.

But the review of the visa system, and any rule change that revoked the right for his wife to work in the United States on a dependent visa, could force him to change his mind.

&quot;If that happens, then I would definitely be interested in going back to India. Even though I&#39;m secure, I don&#39;t want to be in a situation where my wife cannot work,&quot; said the engineer, who declined to be named.

&quot;Those who have heavily invested here, who&#39;ve bought houses, property and are still on visas, are afraid.&quot;

&#39;I&#39;m looking eastward&#39;

According to Bashyam, some Indians on H-1B visas were cancelling plans to return home to visit their families in case they had problems getting back into the United States.

&quot;With everything that&#39;s going on, travelling outside the U.S. is the biggest fear for a lot of the H-1B workers working in the IT staffing industry,&quot; he said.

And the uncertainty is not limited to IT.

Trump&#39;s campaign rhetoric around tighter visa rules has led some Indian students considering studying abroad to look beyond the United States, which typically draws in over 100,000 Indian students annually.

One Canadian official said the number of student visa applications for certain courses in Canada had spiked over 250 per cent since Trump&#39;s election win in November.

Akshay Baliga, a management consultant with a H-1B visa that is valid until 2018, said he was not considering returning to the United States for work any time soon.

&quot;As a professional I&#39;m looking eastward,&quot; said Baliga, now based in India but who earlier studied and lived for years in America.

(Reuters)

The concerns are particularly acute in India, where IT firms like TCS, Infosys and Wipro are top beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme

For Grishma, an Indian software designer, President Donald Trump's review of the visa programme for bringing highly skilled workers into the United States comes at a bad time. Fresh from gaining a master's degree in Europe, and with an offer of employment from a well-known US design firm, she was well on her way to fulfilling the ambition of many young Indian IT workers -- a dream job in America. But as she waits in the H-1B visa queue for the green light, she is caught in a bind. "It's a weird time to be applying, with all the scrutiny," said Grishma, who gave only her first name for fear of jeopardising her chances of getting a visa. The United States has already suspended the "expedited processing option" for applicants, under which she may have received a visa in weeks. More broadly, uncertainty over the review announced this week has unsettled Grishma and many others like her. She will have to wait until at least around August to learn her fate, but having accepted the US job offer she is not in a position to apply for positions elsewhere, including in Europe. "It's pretty debilitating," Grishma told Reuters. "I'd like to start work to mitigate the financial damage." Trump's decision was not a huge surprise, given his election campaign pledge to put American jobs first. But the executive order he signed, though vague in many areas, has prompted thousands of foreign workers already in the United States or applying for visas to work there to re-think their plans. Companies who send them also face huge uncertainty. The concerns are particularly acute in India, where IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd are top beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme, using it to send computer engineers to service clients in the United States, their largest overseas market. Companies and staff realign Experts say Trump's order to review visa processes is aimed at firms like TCS, Infosys and Wipro, which from 2005-14 snagged around 86,000 H-1B visas, roughly equivalent to the number of H-1B visas the United States issues in total each year. Two industry sources said Infosys, India's No 2 information technology (IT) services company, is applying for just under 1,000 H-1B visas this year, which one of the sources said was down from 6,500 applications in 2016 and some 9,000 in 2015. It was not clear whether the sharp reduction in 2017 was in direct response to Trump's presidency, although the company has said for some time it wanted to cut dependence on "fly-in" staff. TCS, Infosys and Wipro said they would not share data on the number of H-1B visas they had applied for this year. With fewer visas going to Infosys, more might become available for smaller IT companies and big US tech companies, like Facebook and Microsoft Corp, that typically send in fewer H-1B applications each year. US-based immigration lawyer Murali Bashyam, managing partner of Bashyam Spiro LLP which advises and works with small to mid-sized Indian IT firms, said clients had been in contact seeking clarity, while the number of visa applicants had fallen. "I think the reason for that is they get the sense that it's going to get so much tougher to comply with all of the changes ... that it might not be worth their money," he said. "There is a fear that radical immigration changes are coming, and if those radical immigration changes come then it could completely change the way IT staffing companies do business." Bashyam said the number of people on H-1B visas already working in the United States who were considering returning to their home country had risen. An engineer working at Cisco, who has been in the United States since 2011, said that three months ago he would not have considered returning to India. But the review of the visa system, and any rule change that revoked the right for his wife to work in the United States on a dependent visa, could force him to change his mind. "If that happens, then I would definitely be interested in going back to India. Even though I'm secure, I don't want to be in a situation where my wife cannot work," said the engineer, who declined to be named. "Those who have heavily invested here, who've bought houses, property and are still on visas, are afraid." 'I'm looking eastward' According to Bashyam, some Indians on H-1B visas were cancelling plans to return home to visit their families in case they had problems getting back into the United States. "With everything that's going on, travelling outside the U.S. is the biggest fear for a lot of the H-1B workers working in the IT staffing industry," he said. And the uncertainty is not limited to IT. Trump's campaign rhetoric around tighter visa rules has led some Indian students considering studying abroad to look beyond the United States, which typically draws in over 100,000 Indian students annually. One Canadian official said the number of student visa applications for certain courses in Canada had spiked over 250 per cent since Trump's election win in November. Akshay Baliga, a management consultant with a H-1B visa that is valid until 2018, said he was not considering returning to the United States for work any time soon. "As a professional I'm looking eastward," said Baliga, now based in India but who earlier studied and lived for years in America. (Reuters)

Indian techies, IT firms fret as Trump orders H-1B visa review

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs.

The order call for &quot;the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labour from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States,&quot; one of the senior officials said.

It will call on the departments of Labour, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take action to crack down on what the official called &quot;fraud and abuse&quot; in the US&nbsp;immigration system to protect American workers.

The order will call on those four federal departments to propose reforms to ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest paid applicant.

Two senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters at the White House said Trump will also use the &quot;buy American and hire American&quot; order to seek changes in government procurement practices to increase the purchase of American products in federal contracts.&nbsp;

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Trump is to sign the order when he visits the world headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his &quot;America First&quot; campaign pledges to reform US&nbsp;immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products.

As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump has no major legislative achievements to tout but has used executive orders to seek regulatory changes to help the US&nbsp;economy.

H-1B visas are intended for foreign nationals in &quot;specialty&quot; occupations that generally require higher education, which according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) includes, but is not limited to, scientists, engineers or computer programmers. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas every year and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.

The number of applications for H-1B visas fell to 199,000 this year from 236,000 in 2016, according U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Companies say they use visas to recruit top talent. More than 15 percent of Facebook Inc&#39;s U.S. employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of U.S. Labor Department filings.

But a majority of the visas are awarded to outsourcing firms, sparking criticism by skeptics who say those firms use the visas to fill lower-level information technology jobs. Critics also say the lottery system benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications.

The senior official said the end result of how the system currently works is that foreign workers are often brought in at less pay to replace American workers, &quot;violating the principle of the program.&quot;

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California and Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren of California were not immediately available to comment.

Facebook, Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc were also not immediately available after normal business hours.

The order also asks federal agencies to look at how to get rid of loopholes in the government procurement process.

Specifically, the review will take into account whether waivers in free-trade agreements are leading to unfair trade by allowing foreign companies to undercut American companies in the global government procurement market.

&quot;If it turns out America is a net loser because of those free-trade agreement waivers, which apply to almost 60 countries, these waivers may be promptly renegotiated or revoked,&quot; the second official said.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs. The order call for "the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labour from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States," one of the senior officials said. It will call on the departments of Labour, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take action to crack down on what the official called "fraud and abuse" in the US immigration system to protect American workers. The order will call on those four federal departments to propose reforms to ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest paid applicant. Two senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters at the White House said Trump will also use the "buy American and hire American" order to seek changes in government procurement practices to increase the purchase of American products in federal contracts. The order call for 'the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labour from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States' × Trump is to sign the order when he visits the world headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his "America First" campaign pledges to reform US immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products. As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump has no major legislative achievements to tout but has used executive orders to seek regulatory changes to help the US economy. H-1B visas are intended for foreign nationals in "specialty" occupations that generally require higher education, which according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) includes, but is not limited to, scientists, engineers or computer programmers. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas every year and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers. The number of applications for H-1B visas fell to 199,000 this year from 236,000 in 2016, according U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Companies say they use visas to recruit top talent. More than 15 percent of Facebook Inc's U.S. employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of U.S. Labor Department filings. But a majority of the visas are awarded to outsourcing firms, sparking criticism by skeptics who say those firms use the visas to fill lower-level information technology jobs. Critics also say the lottery system benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications. The senior official said the end result of how the system currently works is that foreign workers are often brought in at less pay to replace American workers, "violating the principle of the program." Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California and Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren of California were not immediately available to comment. Facebook, Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc were also not immediately available after normal business hours. The order also asks federal agencies to look at how to get rid of loopholes in the government procurement process. Specifically, the review will take into account whether waivers in free-trade agreements are leading to unfair trade by allowing foreign companies to undercut American companies in the global government procurement market. "If it turns out America is a net loser because of those free-trade agreement waivers, which apply to almost 60 countries, these waivers may be promptly renegotiated or revoked," the second official said. (Reuters)

Trump to seek changes in H-1B visa programme to encourage hiring of Americans

The US Department of Homeland Security announced steps on Monday to prevent the fraudulent use of H1B visas, used by employers to bring in specialised foreign workers temporarily, which appeared to fall short of President Donald Trump&#39;s campaign promises to overhaul the programme.

A White House official said Trump may still do more on the programme.&nbsp;

Trump had promised to end the lottery system for H1B visas, which gives each applicant an equal chance at 65,000 positions each year.

Lobbyists for businesses who rely on H1B visas, commonly used by the tech sector, had expected Trump to upend the lottery in favour of a system that prioritised workers who are highly skilled and would be highly paid in the United States.

The lottery for fiscal year 2018 opened on Monday without changes.

The start of the lottery was seen by those watching the issue as the unofficial deadline for the Trump administration to enact H1B visa reform, and the failure to meet that deadline signals that Trump`s promised overhaul of the system may be off the table or long delayed.&nbsp;

&quot;More oversight is a good start, but employers can still use the programme legally to depress wages and replace American workers. That falls short of the promises President Trump made to protect American workers,&quot; said Peter Robbio, a spokesman for Numbers USA, a Washington-based group that advocates for limiting immigration into the United States.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has taken other steps to crack down on H1B visa abuse, such as issuing a Justice Department warning to employers and announcing plans to increase transparency on applicants.

&quot;These are important first steps to bring more accountability and transparency to the H1B system,&quot; a White House official said.&nbsp; 
&quot;The administration is considering several additional options for the president to use his existing authority to ensure federal agencies more rigorously enforce all aspects of the programme.&quot;

Tech companies rely on the programme to bring in workers with special skills and have lobbied for an expansion of the number of H1B visas awarded.&nbsp;

Proponents of limiting legal immigration, including Trump`s senior adviser Stephen Miller, have argued the programme gives jobs that Americans could fill to foreign workers at a less expensive cost.&nbsp;

The measures announced by DHS on Monday focus on site visits by US authorities to employers who use H1B visas.&nbsp;

In future site visits, US Citizenship and Immigration Services agents will investigate incidents where an employer&#39;s basic business information cannot be validated; businesses that have a high ratio of H1B employees compared with US workers; and employers petitioning for H1B workers who work off-site.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The department of homeland security said the measures were meant to prevent the fraudulent use of the programme

The US Department of Homeland Security announced steps on Monday to prevent the fraudulent use of H1B visas, used by employers to bring in specialised foreign workers temporarily, which appeared to fall short of President Donald Trump's campaign promises to overhaul the programme. A White House official said Trump may still do more on the programme. Trump had promised to end the lottery system for H1B visas, which gives each applicant an equal chance at 65,000 positions each year. Lobbyists for businesses who rely on H1B visas, commonly used by the tech sector, had expected Trump to upend the lottery in favour of a system that prioritised workers who are highly skilled and would be highly paid in the United States. The lottery for fiscal year 2018 opened on Monday without changes. The start of the lottery was seen by those watching the issue as the unofficial deadline for the Trump administration to enact H1B visa reform, and the failure to meet that deadline signals that Trump`s promised overhaul of the system may be off the table or long delayed. "More oversight is a good start, but employers can still use the programme legally to depress wages and replace American workers. That falls short of the promises President Trump made to protect American workers," said Peter Robbio, a spokesman for Numbers USA, a Washington-based group that advocates for limiting immigration into the United States. The Trump administration has taken other steps to crack down on H1B visa abuse, such as issuing a Justice Department warning to employers and announcing plans to increase transparency on applicants. "These are important first steps to bring more accountability and transparency to the H1B system," a White House official said. "The administration is considering several additional options for the president to use his existing authority to ensure federal agencies more rigorously enforce all aspects of the programme." Tech companies rely on the programme to bring in workers with special skills and have lobbied for an expansion of the number of H1B visas awarded. Proponents of limiting legal immigration, including Trump`s senior adviser Stephen Miller, have argued the programme gives jobs that Americans could fill to foreign workers at a less expensive cost. The measures announced by DHS on Monday focus on site visits by US authorities to employers who use H1B visas. In future site visits, US Citizenship and Immigration Services agents will investigate incidents where an employer's basic business information cannot be validated; businesses that have a high ratio of H1B employees compared with US workers; and employers petitioning for H1B workers who work off-site. (Reuters)

US begins crackdown on H1B visa programme

A legislation that aims to double the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders has been tabled at the United States House of Representatives.

The legislation will make it difficult for tech companies to hire foreign workers, especially Indians.

At the moment, companies have to pay a minimum $60,000 per annum to get people&nbsp;on H-1B visas.

But if the new legislation is enshrined, companies will have to pay a minimum of $130,000 to recruit foreign workers.

Californian Congresswoman&nbsp;Zoe Lofgren, who introduced the legislation titled&nbsp;High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017, said this would hinder companies from &quot;outsourcing jobs&quot;.

&ldquo;My legislation refocuses the H-1B programme to its original intent &ndash; to seek out and find the best and brightest from around the world, and to supplement the US workforce with talented, highly-paid, and highly-skilled workers who help create jobs here in America, not replace them,&rdquo; said Lofgren.

&ldquo;It offers a market-based solution that gives priority to those companies willing to pay the most. This ensures American employers have access to the talent they need, while removing incentives for companies to undercut American wages and outsource jobs,&rdquo; he said.

Lofgren said it removes the &lsquo;per country&rsquo; cap for employment based immigrant visas so that all workers are treated more fairly and to move to a system where employers hire the most skilled workers without regard to national origin.

It raises the salary level at which H-1B dependent employer are exempt from attestation requirements to a new required wage level of 35 percentile points above the median national annual wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations published by the Department of Labour Occupational Employment Statistics (roughly USD132,000), which would be adjusted in the future without the need for new legislation, and eliminates the Master&rsquo;s Degree exemption for dependent employers.

The legislation sets aside 20 per cent of the annually allocated H-1B visas for small and start-up employers (50 or fewer employers) to ensure small businesses have an opportunity to compete for high-skilled workers, while still protecting against outsourcing.

It among other things removes visa hurdles for students and other temporary visa holders by building a bridge from F-1 student status to Lawful Permanent Residence and removes paperwork burdens by streamlining H-1B filing requirements and reducing administrative costs.

The legislation tightens employee protection by stipulating that employers may not reduce beneficiary wages, regardless of whether the deduction is in accordance with a voluntary authorisation by the employee.

It makes exceptions for taxes, garnishments, and deductions that are reasonable and customary in the occupation.

In related development, Senator Sherrod Brown has announced to introduce H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act in the Senate which he said would close loopholes in the H-1B and L-1 visa programs and provide increased protections for both American workers and visa holders.

&ldquo;We need to crack down on the fraud and abuse that allows corporations to avoid paying Americans fair wages and exploit foreign workers,&rdquo; said Brown.

&ldquo;During his campaign, President Trump promised to increase oversight of our H-1B and L-1 visa programs and reform starts with this bipartisan legislation to ensure that American businesses are giving American workers a fair shot at good-paying jobs,&rdquo; he said.

The bill would require that employers first offer a vacant position to an equally or better qualified American worker before seeking an H-1B or L-1 visa holder.

It would also establish wage requirements for L-1 workers and improve H-1B wage requirements to encourage companies to hire qualified American workers and prevent them from using foreign workers as a source of cheap labour.

Under the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would have additional oversight authority to investigate fraud and abuse as well as to increase penalties for companies that violate the bill&rsquo;s requirements.

The bill also requires DOL and DHS to share information so that visa petitions are effectively scrutinised.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The legislation, if enshrined, will more than double the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders

A legislation that aims to double the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders has been tabled at the United States House of Representatives. The legislation will make it difficult for tech companies to hire foreign workers, especially Indians. At the moment, companies have to pay a minimum $60,000 per annum to get people on H-1B visas. But if the new legislation is enshrined, companies will have to pay a minimum of $130,000 to recruit foreign workers. Californian Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who introduced the legislation titled High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017, said this would hinder companies from "outsourcing jobs". “My legislation refocuses the H-1B programme to its original intent – to seek out and find the best and brightest from around the world, and to supplement the US workforce with talented, highly-paid, and highly-skilled workers who help create jobs here in America, not replace them,” said Lofgren. “It offers a market-based solution that gives priority to those companies willing to pay the most. This ensures American employers have access to the talent they need, while removing incentives for companies to undercut American wages and outsource jobs,” he said. Lofgren said it removes the ‘per country’ cap for employment based immigrant visas so that all workers are treated more fairly and to move to a system where employers hire the most skilled workers without regard to national origin. It raises the salary level at which H-1B dependent employer are exempt from attestation requirements to a new required wage level of 35 percentile points above the median national annual wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations published by the Department of Labour Occupational Employment Statistics (roughly USD132,000), which would be adjusted in the future without the need for new legislation, and eliminates the Master’s Degree exemption for dependent employers. The legislation sets aside 20 per cent of the annually allocated H-1B visas for small and start-up employers (50 or fewer employers) to ensure small businesses have an opportunity to compete for high-skilled workers, while still protecting against outsourcing. It among other things removes visa hurdles for students and other temporary visa holders by building a bridge from F-1 student status to Lawful Permanent Residence and removes paperwork burdens by streamlining H-1B filing requirements and reducing administrative costs. The legislation tightens employee protection by stipulating that employers may not reduce beneficiary wages, regardless of whether the deduction is in accordance with a voluntary authorisation by the employee. It makes exceptions for taxes, garnishments, and deductions that are reasonable and customary in the occupation. In related development, Senator Sherrod Brown has announced to introduce H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act in the Senate which he said would close loopholes in the H-1B and L-1 visa programs and provide increased protections for both American workers and visa holders. “We need to crack down on the fraud and abuse that allows corporations to avoid paying Americans fair wages and exploit foreign workers,” said Brown. “During his campaign, President Trump promised to increase oversight of our H-1B and L-1 visa programs and reform starts with this bipartisan legislation to ensure that American businesses are giving American workers a fair shot at good-paying jobs,” he said. The bill would require that employers first offer a vacant position to an equally or better qualified American worker before seeking an H-1B or L-1 visa holder. It would also establish wage requirements for L-1 workers and improve H-1B wage requirements to encourage companies to hire qualified American workers and prevent them from using foreign workers as a source of cheap labour. Under the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would have additional oversight authority to investigate fraud and abuse as well as to increase penalties for companies that violate the bill’s requirements. The bill also requires DOL and DHS to share information so that visa petitions are effectively scrutinised. (WION with inputs from PTI)

H-1B reforms bill, aimed at curbing foreign workers inflow, tabled in US Congress

US President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to restrict work visas, H1B and L1 issued to professionals working in the US for a short period of time, as part of a larger immigration reform.&nbsp;

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ skilled foreign workers and are mostly used by Indian Information-Technology (IT) professionals.&nbsp;

This comes in after Trump issued a sweeping&nbsp;executive order banning foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US.&nbsp;

The new order will not just block the visas but end employment permit cards to spouses on work visas, which was introduced by the previous Obama administration.&nbsp;

The move will also increase what some Indians informally&nbsp;call&nbsp;&quot;inspector raj&quot;, where&nbsp;Homeland Security will have to carry out &quot;site visits&quot; where workers with L-1 visas are employed.&nbsp;

During the daily news briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters,&quot;I think with respect to H1Bs and other visa is part of a larger immigration reform effort that the President will continue to talk about through executive order and through working with Congress&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;You&#39;ve already seen a lot of action on immigration and I think whether it&#39;s that or the spousal visas or other types of visas, I think there&#39;s an overall need to look at all of these programmes. You&#39;ll see both through executive action and through comprehensive measures a way to address immigration as a whole and the visa programme,&quot; Spicer added.

The proposed order was leaked and then published by a few news websites on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the leaked document, Trump would reverse former president Obama&#39;s order of extending foreign students stay in the US for a period of time after completing their course.&nbsp;

The draft order seeks the administration to &quot;consider ways to make the process of allocating visas more efficient and ensure that beneficiaries of the programmes are the best and the brightest&quot;.

The order also proposes to set up a commission to analyse US&#39;s current immigration policies and their impact on the American society, economy, workforce, and the foreign policy and national security interest of the United States.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Employment permit cards to spouses on work visas, introduced by the Obama government, are also expected to end

US President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to restrict work visas, H1B and L1 issued to professionals working in the US for a short period of time, as part of a larger immigration reform. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ skilled foreign workers and are mostly used by Indian Information-Technology (IT) professionals. This comes in after Trump issued a sweeping executive order banning foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. The new order will not just block the visas but end employment permit cards to spouses on work visas, which was introduced by the previous Obama administration. The move will also increase what some Indians informally call "inspector raj", where Homeland Security will have to carry out "site visits" where workers with L-1 visas are employed. During the daily news briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters,"I think with respect to H1Bs and other visa is part of a larger immigration reform effort that the President will continue to talk about through executive order and through working with Congress". "You've already seen a lot of action on immigration and I think whether it's that or the spousal visas or other types of visas, I think there's an overall need to look at all of these programmes. You'll see both through executive action and through comprehensive measures a way to address immigration as a whole and the visa programme," Spicer added. The proposed order was leaked and then published by a few news websites on Monday. According to the leaked document, Trump would reverse former president Obama's order of extending foreign students stay in the US for a period of time after completing their course. The draft order seeks the administration to "consider ways to make the process of allocating visas more efficient and ensure that beneficiaries of the programmes are the best and the brightest". The order also proposes to set up a commission to analyse US's current immigration policies and their impact on the American society, economy, workforce, and the foreign policy and national security interest of the United States. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Trump expected to order clamp down on H1B, L1 visas

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