In the face of significant opposition from the large corporations. President Trump has issued a proclamation to temporarily suspend New H-1B and other Visas to assist the U.S. recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The restrictions, which will take effect on June 24, 2020, and last through December 31, 2020, will impact new immigrants who were scheduled to replace American workers. The restrictions "may be continued as necessary."
The new proclamation does not apply to visa-holders already in the U.S. or those outside the country who have already been issued valid visas.
As with almost every Trump proclamation and executive order, it is expected to face a court challenge and a request for a temporary restraining order from some federal judge.
A number of high-ranking GOP Senators have asked for the action to be delayed, most likely to avoid impacting fundraising during an election cycle.
Other Visas impacted include H-2B visas for short-term seasonal workers in landscaping and other nonfarm jobs; J-1 visas for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs; and L-1 visas for internal company transfers.
Warning: Like all temporary measures, employees need to be careful when assuming positions that may be filled when the restrictions are lifted and employers continue to replace American workers with foreign visa holders.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?
For those who want to read the proclamation and its fact sheet...
Proclamation: "Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak"
Fact Sheet: "President Donald J. Trump Is Putting American Workers First as We Restore Our Economy to Greatness."