Trump Government Is Suspending H-1B Visas Amid Massive Unemployment

Donald Trump is now considering suspending several employment visas including H-1B, because of the massive unemployment in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per media report.

The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued,

Such a decision by the US administration is likely to harm Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home.

The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals.

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.

Donohue said that the US 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.