What's Trump's Real Motive behind Suspension of H-1B and Other Visas? - Details

US President Donald Trump suspended the work visas and paused the issuance of green cards. This temporary order, which is to extend until the end of 2020 has 2 main reasons. While the known and stated reason is the high rate of unemployment, there seems to be a hidden reason.

The suspension of H-1B (high-skilled workers), H-4 (spouses of H1-Bs), L-1 (intra-company transfers) visas has affected India the most. Despite it being claimed to mitigate the hardships of Americans, an unstated reason for it is now identified as a stunt to tap potential voters who have turned fearful of immigrants due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This smart move by the Trump’s administration not only helps Americans get employed, but also helps exploit political reasons; and also prevents the U.S. from being hit with a second wave of the novel coronavirus. The U.S. has been identified as the most hit country and hence, blocking immigration restricts imported cases from affecting its people and the economy.

Politically, Trump’s poll numbers are not in favour, as Joe Bidden, his rival seems to have an edge over him. Critics claim that this move helps exploiting the ‘American First’ ideology. The Democrats however, view immigration as a human right which at any cost must include a pathway to legalise illegal immigrants. However, the Republicans only want the best and the brightest.

Out of this move, Canada has been a beneficiary and Indians have been affected the most. While many are separated from their families, many others are losing their jobs. Indians IT companies have smartly navigated their way out, as they re-framed their models to adjust better and remaining non-reliant on U.S. immigration.