Trump Launches Project Firewall: How This 'America-First' Policy Could Affect Indian Techies Amid H-1B Move

Trump H-1B visa News: US has initiated Project Firewall, a fresh crackdown programme that might radically change the scenario for Indian and international professionals on H-1B visas. The action falls under an 'America-first' policy, aimed at employers suspected of misusing H-1B visas and placing highly qualified foreign employees, particularly those from India, under stricter verification.

The initiative would penalise employers by imposing fines, back pay, or temporary prohibition from hiring under the H-1B program for those found to be in violation of laws. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said, “Launching Project Firewall will help us ensure no employers are abusing H-1B visas at the expense of our workforce. Highly skilled jobs must go to Americans first.”

What Is Project Firewall?

Project Firewall is intended to watch and control the use of H-1B visas by American employers. Highlights are:

• Qualified American employees must be given priority by employers when hiring.

• Enforcement of H-1B compliance will be personally certified by the Secretary of Labor, a first in history.

• The project takes advantage of the Secretary's current authority to take action if there is reasonable cause that employers are not abiding by H-1B rules.

• Violations can lead to back wages, lower civil money penalties, or temporary debarment from the H-1B program.

• The DoL will work with federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and USCIS to make sure enforcement is correct.

• Employers and employees may call for compliance assistance services through the toll-free number 1-866-4-US-WAGE (487-9243).

Impact On Indian Nationals

Indians have been the biggest recipients of the H-1B program, securing 71 per cent of last year's approvals, while China was second at 11.7 per cent. The new regulations could probably make it more difficult for Indians and other foreign employees to get H-1B visas or renew their current permits.

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The more strict compliance requirements under Project Firewall, coupled with the recently implemented USD 100,000 H-1B application fee, are likely to raise costs and procedural scrutiny for employers who wish to employ foreign professionals. The full effect is uncertain, but the new regulations signal a continued 'America-first' immigration policy for the US.

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The Labor Department explained that Project Firewall is not meant to shut foreign workers out but to ensure equity in hiring. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer furthered, "We are launching Project Firewall to help us ensure no employers are exploiting H-1B visas at the expense of our workers." While the US aims to prioritise domestic jobs, the project reflects a dramatic policy change in prioritizing that American jobs come first in a more competitive international marketplace.