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Trump Administration Tightens Scrutiny of Skilled Worker Visa Applicants (inc.com)
wyattstorch516 writes: The Trump administration is tightening the scrutiny on the H-1B visa program (Warning: paywalled; alternative source). Changes would undo actions by the Obama administration. There are two big regulatory changes looming that would undo actions by the Obama administration. "The first change allowed spouses of H-1B workers the right to work. That regulation is being challenged in court and the Trump administration is expected to eliminate the provision rather than defend it," reports WSJ. "The second change affects the Optional Practical Training program, which allows foreign graduates from U.S. colleges in science and technology an extra two years of work authorization, giving them time to win an H-1B visa. The Trump administration could kill that benefit or reduce the two-year window, according to people familiar with the discussions." The Journal highlights a "series of more modest changes that have added scrutiny to visa processing":
- "USCIS directed last month that adjudicators no longer pay 'deference' to past determinations for renewal applications. This means an applicant's past approval won't carry any weight if he or she applies for a renewal.
- The agency is conducting more applicant interviews, which critics say slows the system. The agency spokesman says this process will ramp up over several years and is needed to detect fraud and make accurate decisions.
- In the spring, the agency suspended premium processing, which allowed for fast-track consideration to those who paid an extra fee. This option wasn't resumed until October, meaning many workers who qualified for a coveted H-1B visa had to wait months for a decision.
- State Department officials have been told to consider that Mr. Trump's 'Buy American, Hire American' executive order directs visa programs must 'protect the interests of United States workers.' And the Foreign Affairs Manual now instructs officers to scrutinize applications of students to ensure they plan to return to their home countries. A State Department official said the official rules haven't changed but said a 'comprehensive' review is under way."
- "USCIS directed last month that adjudicators no longer pay 'deference' to past determinations for renewal applications. This means an applicant's past approval won't carry any weight if he or she applies for a renewal.
- The agency is conducting more applicant interviews, which critics say slows the system. The agency spokesman says this process will ramp up over several years and is needed to detect fraud and make accurate decisions.
- In the spring, the agency suspended premium processing, which allowed for fast-track consideration to those who paid an extra fee. This option wasn't resumed until October, meaning many workers who qualified for a coveted H-1B visa had to wait months for a decision.
- State Department officials have been told to consider that Mr. Trump's 'Buy American, Hire American' executive order directs visa programs must 'protect the interests of United States workers.' And the Foreign Affairs Manual now instructs officers to scrutinize applications of students to ensure they plan to return to their home countries. A State Department official said the official rules haven't changed but said a 'comprehensive' review is under way."
There's no practical way to actually force them to hire qualified US applicants. They can just make up ridiculous requirements and then wave them for the cheapest H1B that comes along. This is how it's already working. All this action could possibly do is drive up the cost of H1B workers. Most likely it won't even do that. It'll just consolidate the hiring process to some agency the Trump family profits from directly. It won't actually create more real jobs for citizens, or break the salary stagnation problem.
Just in time!
Twinstiq, game news
It really is a fitting symbol of the insane level of polarization in US politics that an article simply reporting on what the administration is doing is labeled 'anti-Trump clickbait'. Hint: If reporting on the actions of your president counts as 'anti-Trump', that should tell you a lot about the level of competence of Trump and his suitability to rule.
But nah, better just to shut your ears and yell about boycotts and witch hunts, right? Reminds me of Gollum from the Lord of The Rings. 'Filthy mediases, reporting on what is happening. We hates it, we hates it, precious!"
"It is the business of the future to be dangerous" -Alfred North Whitehead
Well you could always trying paying a decent wage. That always gets people's interest.
Even though the U.S. citizens did not elect him
President Trump is our constitutionally elected president. If you don't like the process spelled out in our Constitution, feel free to start the amendment process.
Failing that, feel free to leave.
Can we be more insane than this? The incredible stupidity of our system astounds me.
Insane? It's actually quite logical. The wealthy are making tons of money by fucking over everyone else.
It's not stupid; the system is working as designed. It's not good for society in general, but it is operating as intended.
THE SOFTWARE, IT NO WORKY!!!