In a massive blow to several Indian working professionals, the Donald Trump government has decided to suspend the H-1B, H-2B, L and some other temporary work visas till December 31. According to the Times Of India, US President Donald Trump took this step in the bid to safeguard employment opportunities for its residents and local workers, especially during the pandemic.
“We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens,” Trump said in a statement. He added:
“The entry of additional workers through the H-1B, H-2B, J, and L nonimmigrant visa programs, therefore, presents a significant threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the extraordinary economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Economic Times reports that 70% of the 85,000 H-1B visas issued each year are received by Indian nationals. According to the order, the restrictions are applicable to new work visas and not to existing holders who are in the United States currently. Those visa holders who are outside the US will not be able to return to the US. The ban comes into effect from June 24.
Donald Trump’s order was criticised by people online:
Immigration has contributed immensely to America’s economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today’s proclamation – we’ll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) June 22, 2020
The suspension of the H1B visa program is bad for the US, bad for innovation, and will shatter dreams and disrupt lives. As a former H1B visa holder, my heart goes out to all the families affected.
— Andrew Ng (@AndrewYNg) June 23, 2020
Trump has suspended H1B visas.
About 70% of H1B visas are issued to Indians. This is an immense blow for Indian professionals.
Does PM Modi have the guts to call Trump & object to this?
Modi campaigns for Trump, and yet, this is how much Trump cares for Modi’s “friendship”. 🙄
— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) June 23, 2020
People also expressed their disappointment with the decision and soon #NamasteTrump started trending online:
Trump supported india to become #atmanirbhar by suspending H1B visas #NamasteTrump
Le trump to bhakts pic.twitter.com/TS9X3mO0L6— Zoha007 (@Zoha0071) June 23, 2020
Govt. spent milions on #NamasteTrump for Doland.
Now Doland suspended H1-B visas.
Indian IT companies and professionals to suffer worse.
Everyone to Doland – pic.twitter.com/yoCbRWiFti
— el ѕнeĸυ (@WhoIsSheku) June 23, 2020
#NamasteTrump
Trump suspended H1-B visas
Bhkts to trump :- pic.twitter.com/Wo6DEJAtcd— mystical_sunshine (@singhshivali981) June 23, 2020
#NamasteTrump
India spent a lot of money to welcome Trump nd trump banned Indian visas pic.twitter.com/TyPRaoqcGZ— Satyam (@satymmmm) June 23, 2020
Namaste Trump
Trump Suspending H1-B visas for one year
Bhakts right now👇 😉#NamasteTrump #ModiBetrayedIndia pic.twitter.com/4pO3zmudLg— Ovais (@ahmedOvais47) June 23, 2020
https://twitter.com/centurai_13/status/1275329315094188032
#NamasteTrump
Modiji talking to trump in this hard times of USA- pic.twitter.com/2KKDikqfpV— फलाने (@main_wo_hu) June 23, 2020
After successful Namaste Trump, India's Friend, Dolund Tramp, sent his thanks and greetings by:
Suspension of H1B visas for one year. #H1Bvisas #Namastetrump #PMCARES pic.twitter.com/JPrSAmmsX5
— asrar11sheikh (@asrar11sheikh) June 23, 2020
Feb in India : #NamasteTrump
April in India : #CoronavirusPandemic hit harsh in Ahmedabad
June in India : Trump extends ban on #H1Bvisas pic.twitter.com/PsyggFBGHM
— Chaithanya Narayan (@ChaithanyaNara1) June 23, 2020
https://twitter.com/roxsstar/status/1275330168093999105
Trump successfully scattering the ambitions of H1 visa holders. #NamasteTrump #H1Bvisas pic.twitter.com/NRzL8VmxFu
— MohammedHarisNalapad (@nalapad) June 23, 2020
Well, among the many things happening in the country, this decision only stands as yet another in a series of shockers.