• Source:JND
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H-1B Visa Row: The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a new H-1B visa process to favour high-skilled and better-paid workers, days after the US president introduced a USD 100,000 fee for the visas. In its latest notice, the Department of Homeland Security formally intended to change the H-1B lottery scheme from just a random selection process to something more specific and weighted. The authority has also invited the public to participate in the process by submitting "written data, views, comments, and arguments on all aspects of this proposed rule".

The notice stated that the recent changes are being announced to provide more opportunities to the Americans. While providing details, the authority stated that if finalised, the new process would give heavier weight to applications by employers who pay high wages if annual requests for the visas exceed the statutory limit of 85,000. It emphasised that the rule will protect the US citizens from unfair wage competition from foreign employees.

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Earlier on September 21, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the USD 100,000 requirement is only for new petitions, not for already employed workers on existing visas. This, officials explained, would bring relief to thousands of foreign professionals already in the country, including many from India.

"President Trump is placing increased burdens on companies that wish to utilize the H-1B program in an effort to end the exploitation of the program, prevent the wage-cutting, and safeguard our national security," the White House stated. Earlier on Friday, the Trump administration said it would ask companies to pay USD 100,000 per year for H-1B visas.

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Some big tech companies warned visa holders to stay in the U.S. or quickly return, sparking a chaotic scramble to get back to the U.S. President Donald Trump launched a wide-ranging immigration crackdown after taking office in January, including a push for mass deportations and trying to block citizenship for children of immigrants in the U.S. illegally.