According to a report from Wall Street Journal, President Trump announced that he will sign an executive order that will temporarily restrict a number of different employment visas, including H-1B visas, H-2B visas, L-1 visas, and J-1 visas. The temporary suspension—which is set to run until the end of 2020—will only apply to new employment visa applications.
The Executive Order is Not Expected to Affect People Currently in the United States
President Trump’s Executive Order is targeted at ongoing work visa applications. National Public Radio (NPR) reports that the temporary restrictions are not expected to affect anyone who is already in the United States—at least not immediately. Of course, as with other immigration restrictions, these types of policies have the potential to create problems for visa holders. If you hold an employment visa, it is important to remain vigilant and watch for any updates from the federal government.
The Immediate Impact Will Be Muted—Larger Impact Later in the Year
Public policy experts note that the immediate impact of President Trump’s executive action will likely be limited. The reason for this is that many United States consulates around the world are not actively processing routine immigration applications during the COVID-19 pandemic—meaning relatively few new work visa applications are being approved. That being said, immigration processing is expected to return to normal in the coming months. The Executive Order could further disrupt the U.S. economy in the second half of the year. Unfortunately, this order will create a serious hardship for many people.
Exceptions Expected—Especially for Areas of National Interest
On background, officials with knowledge of the policy told reporters that there will be broad exceptions within the Executive Order. Indeed, it is likely that some of the restricted employment visas will still be issued in the second half of 2020. Most notably, an anonymous Trump Administration official stated that there will be significant exceptions for areas of “national interest” and that the State Department will have the authority to authorize visas for highly desired foreign workers in the areas of health care, national security, and economics.
Employment Visa Restrictions: This is Still a Developing Story
As this is a breaking story, there are still some unanswered questions regarding precisely how the Trump Administration’s Executive Order will be implemented by federal agencies. It is not clear as to how broad the exceptions to the restrictions will be. At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our employment visa team will keep a close watch on the developments to ensure that we are in the best position to assist our clients.
Contact Our Los Angeles, CA Employment Visa Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our California work visa attorney is an experienced, client-focused advocate for international employees. We are committed to guiding people through the application process. If you have any questions about your rights or immigration options, our legal team is prepared to help. Call us now for a completely confidential consultation. We represent clients in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
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