New York: US President Donald Trump suspended the entry of some foreign workers on Monday until the end of the year, a move by the White House that would help the coronovirus-battered economy, but which business groups strongly oppose.
The effects of the proclamation cannot be felt immediately because the issuance of a work visa had already dramatically declined due to an epidemic of coronavirus virus.
The following visa categories are affected:
H-1b visa
The United States often grants 85,000 H-1B visas to ‘highly skilled’ workers 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 both new applicants and renewals. Some 131,549 were for Indian citizens, followed by 28,483 for mainland Chinese citizens.
According to data from the department, only 143 H-1B visas were issued in May 2020, compared to 13,678 in May 2020.
H-2b visa
The H-2B visa is for seasonal non-agricultural labor. The United States issues 66,000 per year, although it sometimes gives additional visas based on demand. They are generally valid for three years and are popular in industries such as food processing, hotel work and landscaping. In the financial year 2019, the State Department issued 97,623 H-2B visas for both new applicants and renewals. Some 72,339 were for Mexican citizens.
H-4 visa
The H-4 visa is for the spouse and children of H-1B and H-2B holders. The Proclamation does not explicitly address them, but prohibits entry for restricted categories “with or against any foreigner involved.” They are valid for the duration of the H-1B visa. In the financial year 2019, the State Department issued 125,999 H-4 visas. Some 108,182 were for Indian citizens, followed by 5, 01 for mainland Chinese citizens.
J-1 visa
The J-1 visa is for cultural and educational exchanges. The order applies to J-1 holders “a trainee, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or participant in a summer work travel program.” They are valid for seven years, depending on the type of program, and there is no annual cap. In the financial year 2019, the State Department issued 353,279 J-1 visas for both new applicants and renewals. Some 39,920 were for mainland Chinese citizens, followed by 18,349 for citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and 17,591 for German citizens.
J-2 visa
The J-2 visa is for the spouse and dependents of J-1 holders. It is valid for the duration of J-1 visa. The state department issued 38,282 J-2 visas in fiscal year 2019, with 10,228 going to mainland Chinese citizens.
L-1 visa
L-1 visa is for high-level and specialized company employees. They are generally valid for seven years and have no annual cap. In the financial year 2019, the State Department issued 76,988 L-1 visas. Some 18,354 were for Indian citizens, followed by 5,902 for citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and 5,295 for Brazilians.
L-2 visa
The L-2 visa is for dependents of L-1 holders. They are valid for the duration of the relevant L-1 visa. In the financial 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.
This story is published from a wire agency feed without textual modifications. Only the headline has been changed.
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