The US President has been requested to suspend the foreign workers programme, including H-1B, due to the massive job losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This development is in the news due to its potential impact on non-American workers, particularly from India, who could possibly face employment uncertainties.
H-1B Suspension Request and its Implications
A lawmaker in the U.S. has urged the suspension of various visas such as H-1B, H4, L1, B1, B2, Optional Practical Training Program, and guest worker admissions. This move, if approved, could potentially affect a significant number of individuals working in the U.S. Additionally, the Congressional Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis has been urged to intervene and safeguard H-1B visa-holding medical professionals who are critical in fighting the ongoing health crisis.
With the economic downfall resulting in many health centres closing down, H-1B visa holders employed at these facilities may be directly impacted. Moreover, this situation might also affect Indians, who constitute the majority of H-1B visa holders, thereby limiting their employment opportunities in the U.S.
Indians and H-1B Visa: A Detailed Overview
Indians are the primary beneficiaries of H1B visas. As per data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), Indians held 309,986 H1B visas as of 2018, accounting for 73.9% of all H1B visas issued. This means that three out of four H1B visa holders were Indians. Furthermore, Indians accounted for 68% of H1B registrations for the Financial Year 2020-21. China followed with 13.2%. Therefore, any amendments or suspensions pertaining to the H1B visa will significantly affect Indian professionals working in the U.S.
Implications of Green Card Suspension and ‘America First’
The U.S. has previously temporarily suspended the approval of some Green Cards, which are officially known as Permanent Resident Cards. Green Cards afford immigrants the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. The suspension of these cards is in alignment with the ‘America First’ policy, prioritizing the employment of American citizens over foreign workers during the pandemic.
Know More About H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S., allowing companies to employ graduate-level non-American workers in speciality occupations. These occupations typically necessitate theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as IT, finance, accounting, architecture, engineering, mathematics, science, medicine, etc.
Any professional-level job that generally requires a bachelor’s degree or higher can fall under the H-1B visa for specialty occupations. H-1B visa holders can also apply for a green card. Additionally, they are allowed to bring their spouse and children under 21 years of age to the U.S. under the H4 Visa category as dependents. However, an H4 visa holder cannot work in the U.S, though they are permitted to attend school, obtain a driver’s license, and open a bank account.
