HomeAmericasIndo AmericaNew H-1B And H-2 Visa Rules Takes Effect

New H-1B And H-2 Visa Rules Takes Effect

New H-1B And H-2 Visa Rules Takes Effect

New H-1B And H-2 Visa Rules Takes Effect

WASHINGTON, DC (ANI) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to implement new rules aimed at modernizing and improving the H-1B and H-2 nonimmigrant visa programs. The rules will take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025, just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

H-1B Final Rule The H-1B final rule streamlines the approval process, enhances flexibility for employers, and strengthens the program’s oversight. It focuses on the H-1B program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. While the rule mainly impacts H-1B workers, it also affects other nonimmigrant classifications, including H-2, H-3, F-1, L-1, O, P, Q-1, R-1, E-3, and TN.

H-2 Final Rule The H-2 final rule strengthens worker protections, imposes new consequences for firms that charge prohibited fees or violate labor laws, and provides greater flexibility for H-2A and H-2B workers. The rule aims to improve the integrity of the H-2 programs, which cover temporary agricultural (H-2A) and nonagricultural (H-2B) workers.

Statements from USCIS In a statement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) emphasized that the new rules, published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2024, are designed to better align the visa programs with current needs. “The H-1B final rule modernizes the H-1B program by streamlining the approval process, increasing flexibility, and improving oversight,” USCIS stated. “The H-2 final rule strengthens worker protections and provides greater flexibility for H-2A and H-2B workers.”

Trump’s Support for H-1B Program In December, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for the H-1B visa program, calling it a “great program” and acknowledging that he has frequently used it for his properties. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times,” he said in a telephonic interview with The New York Post. Trump’s comments come after a divided stance within his MAGA base on the issue of highly skilled worker visas. Notably, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have advocated for expanding the program, despite facing significant backlash from some of Trump’s supporters.

Previous Restrictions and Tightened Rules During his first term, Trump’s administration imposed restrictions on the H-1B visa program, citing concerns over abuse and economic strain. These restrictions were further tightened in 2020 in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s remarks now reflect a nuanced stance on immigration, balancing the needs for skilled workers with ongoing concerns within his political base.

Also Read: Steve Bannon Pushes Back Against Vivek, Elon In Infighting Over H-1B Visas

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  • Biden is scrambling to do something good for his legacy!

    January 17, 2025

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