Trump suspends some foreign worker visas despite business opposition

Tuesday, 23 June 2020 08:48

The Trump administration has suspended some work visas for foreigners till the end of the year in a bid to revive a coronavirus-battered economy.

The order, signed by US President Donald Trump, will suspend H-1B visas for fields like technology and most H-2B visas for seasonal workers.

It will not affect applicants already in the US or those abroad who have already been issued a visa.

According to a senior administration official, the move, which kicks in on Wednesday, will open up 525,000 jobs for US workers.

However, major tech companies and the US Chamber of Commerce said it would stifle the economic recovery instead.

Some critics claim it is Trump' way of using the pandemic to push through his tough immigration plans ahead of the November elections.

More from International

Labor wins Australia election

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labor Party was projected to win over the conservative opposition, Sky News Australia and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said as early vote counting showed Labor in a strong position.
Israel renews strikes on Syrian cities "in support to Druze minority"

Israeli strikes targeted the vicinity of Syria's Damascus, Hama and Daraa countryside late on Friday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
Australians vote in national election with their sights on Trump, living costs

Australians voted on Saturday in a national election that polls show will likely favour Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party over the conservative opposition, as worries about Donald Trump's volatile policies overshadowed calls for change.
Six killed, dozens injured in India temple stampede

At least six people were killed and 55 were injured in a stampede at an Indian temple in the western coastal state of Goa where hundreds of devout Hindus had assembled, police official said on Saturday.
Prince Harry wants 'reconciliation' with royal family

Prince Harry said on Friday that he wanted reconciliation with the British royal family but his father King Charles will not speak to him over a row over his security and he did not know how long the monarch, who has cancer, would live.

The Reboot
10:00am - Noon
The Best of Dubai Eye 103.8
Noon - 7:00pm

Hear the highlights from the week gone by on Dubai Eye 103.8. Listen again to the best interviews, advice and the top stories that has gripped our conversation this week.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

On Dubai Eye

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!