US Employment Visa Issuance Suspended Until Year-End... Including Expatriates (Comprehensive)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A U.S. government official stated on the 22nd (local time) that U.S. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on the same day to suspend the issuance of U.S. work visas until the end of the year. The official explained that President Trump directed this measure.

According to The Wall Street Journal, this measure is expected to result in a blanket suspension of work visas, including the H-1B visa for professional workers. The H-2B visa for temporary workers, the H-4 visa for spouses of H-1B visa holders, and the L-1 visa for expatriates working at U.S. branches and their families are also included.

The government official explained that this measure aims to protect American jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure will be applied temporarily until the end of the year. The official anticipated that 525,000 jobs will be filled by Americans as a result of this measure.

According to U.S. media, major technology companies have expressed concerns that restrictions on H-1B visas will prevent attracting talented individuals to the U.S. and may instead provide reasons for American companies to relocate overseas.

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