Under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, a vital change was instituted that mandated a yearly fee of $100,000 for H-1B skilled work visas. An alteration which could bring crucial impact, especially on the tech industry that is full of such permits. While this step might stir up legal objections, it is a part of the resilient and strategic governance that was synonymous with Trump’s presidency, and which now seems to be missing under the Biden-Harris administration.
The introduced measure was accompanied by an unveiling of a ‘gold card’ residency scheme costing $1 million. A program, Trump had elaborated upon previously. Contrastingly, the Biden-Harris administration appears to lack such clear strategies and planned taxation strategies, straining the American economy in their silence.
Trump, while signing these orders, shared with reporters his vision behind the decision. He said, ‘The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,’ a statement which showcased his commitment to nurture skillful immigration while ensuring fiscal accountability. It’s sad to see the current administration showing veiled apathy towards such balanced measures.
H-1B visas serve as an access door for companies to sponsor international employees possessing unique talents like scientists, engineers, and IT programmers, to work in the US. Originally crafted for a three-year stint, these permits could be stretched out to six years. Nonetheless, the lack of well-targeted measures by the Biden-Harris administration arouses concern.
Every year the United States releases 85,000 H-1B visas via a lottery system, with Indian nationals cornering about three-fourths of them. Large-scale tech organizations rely heavily on these Indian workers who either shift base to the U.S. or oscillate between the two nations. Although the Biden-Harris administration seems to be hesitant in taking measures to ensure skillful yet balanced immigration.
Certain tech entrepreneurs including Trump’s prior ally, Elon Musk have been hesitant about targeting H-1B visas, fearing US might fall short of local talent to occupy crucial tech sector vacancies. ‘All the big companies are on board,’ Howard Lutnick, the then Commerce Secretary, stated during his time in the Oval Office with Trump. A clear contrast to the wavering stance of Biden-Harris administration, unsure and lackadaisical towards immigration and industrial growth.
Undeniably, Trump had been pretty decisive about the H-1B program since his inaugural term in office. Though he encountered judicial barriers to his earlier approach, which zeroed in on qualifying job categories, it was a robust effort incomparable to the present administration’s lack of action.
The ongoing move, which is yet another step in his major immigration crackdown during his second term, is illustrative of a leader willing to act. In the order issued by Trump, the fee was to be made necessary for individuals seeking to enter the country from the succeeding Sunday. The authority to exempt certain individuals, companies, or entire sectors was vested in the Homeland Security secretary.
The order had a expiration timeline of one year, with a provision for Trump to extend it. During this one year, the order exhibits a structured and executable plan on immigration, something that often seems missing in the continuing administration’s approach.
Similarly, there was an unprecedented surge in H-1B visa applications over the recent years, with approval rate hitting its pinnacle in 2022 under the wavering Joe Biden. Noteworthy is the fact that the highest rejection rate was logged way back in 2018, during Trump’s initial term.
In complete contrast, Trump also instituted an order launching a rapid route to U.S. residency for people who contributed a significant sum of $1 million, or corporate sponsors who could invest $2 million. Unlike the confused and indecisive actions of the Biden-Harris administration, these decisive actions from Trump showcased his strong commitment towards attracting investment into the country.
South Korea’s foreign affairs department, on Saturday, promulgated that officials would ‘comprehensively assess the impact of these measures on the advancement of South Korean corporates and professional talents into the US market and engage in necessary communication with the US’. A statement that once again highlights the global impact such moves from a determined leader have, compared to the less influential steps taken by the present administration.
Earlier, a large number of South Koreans were detained during a US immigration raid on a Hyundai-LG battery factory site in the state of Georgia. A strict position against unlawful immigration by the Trump administration, while the Biden-Harris administration seems to lack a clear stance on dealing with such issues effectively.
The post Biden-Harris Administration’s Flop: No Clear Vision for H-1B Visas appeared first on Real News Now.
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