From coast to coast, U.S. businesses feel the impact of these restrictions. Back in April, when President Trump stressed the need to “Buy American and Hire American,” an executive order was signed in an effort to put H-1B programs under new scrutiny. Companies that seek people with specialized knowledge and training, typically those in engineering, science, and information technology, can temporarily hire foreign workers though the H-1B programs. With this executive order, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services was told to more rigorously review every H-1B applicant, resulting in hiring and productivity delays from longer processing times.
Then, in October, USCIS changed a policy that had previously allowed anyone eligible for H-1B to get an extension without major reapplication requirements. Implementing a higher level of scrutiny on extension requests was, the service said, “consistent with policies that protect the interests of U.S. workers.”
Some politicians believe reform will increase employment of U.S. citizens. But others are not so sure.
“What a mistake when we are trying to fuel the innovation economy around the United States,” noted Carl Guardino, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Statistics show there aren’t enough qualified American workers to fill openings because not enough American students major in these fields.
The head of an immigration law department representing companies and academic institutions told The Boston Globe that entry-level computer science jobs, “might sound like positions that would be easy to fill with American labor,” but they are often highly specialized.
This change in policy hits Silicon Valley particularly hard because numerous engineers vie for H-1B visas. In 2016, the major technology companies combined applied for more than 30,000 of the 85,000 H-1B visas awarded.
It is not just the tech industry facing difficulties in securing and relocating employees. Experts in oil and gas say recruiting new and younger talent may become more difficult “at a time when oil and gas companies need it most.” Health care facilities, many of them located in medically underserved areas, feel a pinch in their personnel as foreign-born physicians question whether their visas will be renewed. The nation’s nursing shortage grows more dire if foreign-born nurses are not allowed to renew.
The uncertainty of what will happen next continues, especially because the travel ban decisions of lower courts are still in limbo. Because immigration laws constantly change, companies need to be aware of all that is happening and make sure they and their employees abide by regulations. Companies also need to be realistic with timeframes for when employees can start positions in the U.S. It may take months to get the necessary visas due to the additional roadblocks many people now face.
The challenges of employee relocation into the U.S. are extensive, which is why many companies outsource to a relocation management company. Offering immigration benefits allows your employees some peace of mind while going through this very difficult and stressful time.
RMCs keep up to date with everything that occurs in the courts, including what changes go into effect and when. They ensure companies and employees remain compliant and, when necessary, help relocate staff in as little time as possible allowing your business to focus on core personnel decisions.
For more information on how WHR Group can take your relocation program to the next level, call us at 800-523-3318 or email contactus@whrg.com.
