NEW YORK (Reuters) – United States President Donald Trump suspended the entry of certain foreign workers Monday through the end of the year, a move the White House said would help the coronavirus-battered economy, but which is strongly opposed by business groups.
The effects of the proclamation may not be felt immediately as the issuance of work visas had already decreased dramatically due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The following visa categories are affected:
H-1B
The United States grants 85,000 H-1B visas each year to ‘highly skilled’ workers, often in the technology industry. They are generally valid for up to six years. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 188,123 H-1B visas for new applicants and renewals. About 131,549 were for Indian citizens, followed by 28,483 for Mainland Chinese citizens.
Only 143 H-1B visas were issued in May 2020, compared to 13,678 in May 2019, according to Department data.
H-2B
H-2B visas are for seasonal non-farm labor. The United States issues 66,000 per year, although it sometimes grants additional visas based on demand. They are generally valid for up to three years and are popular in industries such as food processing, hotel work, and landscaping. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 97,623 H-2B visas for new applicants and renewals. Some 72,339 were for Mexican citizens.
H-4
H-4 visas are for the spouses and children of H-1B and H-2B holders. The proclamation does not explicitly address them, but restricts entry to the restricted categories of “any foreigner accompanying or following to join.” They are valid for the duration of the H-1B visa. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 125,999 H-4 visas. About 106,162 were for Indian citizens, followed by 5,701 for citizens of mainland China.
J-1
J-1 visas are for cultural and educational exchange. The order applies to J-1 holders “participating in an intern, intern, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work trip program.” They are valid for up to seven years, depending on the type of program, and there is no annual limit. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 353,279 J-1 visas for new applicants and renewals. About 39,920 were for citizens of Mainland China, followed by 18,349 for citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and 17,591 for German citizens.
J-2
J-2 visas are for spouses and dependents of J-1 holders. It is valid for the duration of the J-1 visa. The State Department issued 38,282 J-2 visas in fiscal year 2019, with 10,228 for Mainland Chinese citizens.
L-1
L-1 visas are for employees of high-level and specialized companies. They are generally valid for up to seven years and there is no annual limit. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 76,988 L-1 visas. About 18,354 were for Indian citizens, followed by 5,902 for citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and 5,295 for Brazilian citizens.
L-2
L-2 visas are for dependents of L-1 holders. They are valid for the duration of the associated L-1 visa. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 80,720 L-2 visas. Some 23,169 went to Indian citizens, followed by 7,143 to Brazilian citizens.
Report by Mimi Dwyer; edition by Grant McCool and Rosalba O’Brien
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