Trump imposes new H-1B curbs to protect US workers

Washington, October 7

The Trump administration has announced new restrictions on H-1B non-immigrant visa programme which, it said, is aimed at protecting American workers, restoring integrity and to better guarantee that H-1B petitions are approved only for qualified beneficiaries and petitioners. The move is set to affect thousands of Indian IT professionals.

The interim final rule announced by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday, ahead of the US presidential election on November 3, will narrow the definition of “specialty occupation” as Congress intended by closing the overbroad definition that allowed companies to game the system.

It will also require companies to make “real” offers to “real employees,” by closing loopholes and preventing the displacement of the American workers. The new rules would enhance the department’s ability to enforce compliance through worksite inspections and monitor compliance before, during and after an H1-B petition is approved. world