Trump suspends issuing work visas to foreigners.
Donald Trump will block the entry of foreign workers with H-1B (for skilled workers) and L-1 (for intra-company transfer workers) visas until the end of the year.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will expand a current ban on certain visas to include some non-immigrant work visas, as part of a move to protect American workers amid the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a government official said Monday.
Trump will block the entry of foreign workers with H-1B (skilled worker) and L-1 (internal transfer) visas until the end of the year, the official said. The president will also block seasonal workers with H-2B visas, with the exception of workers in the food service industry.
The measure will be taken despite opposition from companies that rely on foreign workers, including large technology firms and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—the country's largest business association—which have said the decision will stifle the economic recovery. Critics of the measure say Trump is using the pandemic to fulfill his long-standing goal of limiting immigration to the United States.
The immediate effects of the enactment will likely be limited, as US consulates worldwide remain closed for most routine visa processes due to the pandemic.
Trump is running for reelection on November 3rd and has made his hardline stance on immigration a central issue for voters, although the coronavirus, economic problems, and recent nationwide protests over police brutality have overshadowed this issue in recent months.
The visa suspension is Trump's latest step to restrict immigration. Trump will also renew an April announcement that temporarily suspends permanent residency in the United States for some foreigners, the government official said on Monday.