H-1B Visa Proposal Dropped By Trump Administration, Relief For Indians
More than 7.5 Lakh Indian H-1B holders were affected by the announcement, especially those who were waiting for Green Cards. They were at risk of deportation if the proposal ends in granting an extension to a visa under this programme was accepted.
On Monday, the Trump administration announced that it was not considering any proposal that may result into the deportation of hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa holders.
Jonathan Withington (Chief of Media Relations at US Citizenship and Immigration Services; USCIS) stated that they are not considering a regulatory change that would force H-1B visa holders to leave the United States. Even if it takes place, such a change would not likely result in these H-1B visa holders having to leave the United States. The reason behind that is the employers could request extensions in one-year increments under section 106(a)-(b) of AC21.
This announcement is a major relief to Indian H-1B holders who were waiting for their Green Cards. They feel so much pressure regarding deportation if a proposal seeking to end the granting of extensions to a visa under this programme had been accepted.
An advocacy group campaigning for a better deal for H-1B workers i.e. Immigration Voice was the first to flag the development. It posted on its Facebook page that it had succeeded “in protecting its members and getting USCIS to change its policy regarding H-1B renewal.” Plus it also thanks, USCIS to make the right decision by denying all H-1B visa through year 6 based on section 104.
There were an estimated 5 Lakh to 7.5 Lakh Indian H-1B visa holders who could have been deported in case the administration had decided to go ahead with the proposal. It is the Donald Trump’s vision to boost manufacturing and protect local jobs in the US.
As per the official of Immigration Voice, this implementation could result in large-scale deportations which will mostly include Indians. Plus, hundreds and thousands of families will face crisis too.
Infosys, TCS, and Wipro which is the Indian IT companies operating in the US do not sponsor their H-1B employees for Green Card. They send them back to India at the end of the maximum stipulated period of 6 years allowed on this visa type.
