H1B Visa Issue: CEOs Of Major American Companies Calls Out For Review Of Immigration Policy Changes

The CEOs of some of the biggest American companies including Apple’s Tim Cook JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon and Coca-Cola’s James Quincey have expressed their concern over the adverse effects of Donald Trump administrations’ immigration policies on the country’s economy.

The Business Roundtable, an association of chief executives of U.S. companies, has signed and forwarded a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen, warning that the recent changes made to the country’s immigration policy might undermine economic growth.

In the letter, the executives said that many of their employees were now facing uncertainty due to inconsistent immigration decisions that would likely curtail work permits for spouses of skilled immigrants.

The letter in question highlighted the current treatment of applications for H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. Notably, the employees who qualify for H-1B jobs often hold degrees in science, tech, engineering or math, and very much in demand by employers.

“As the federal government undertakes its legitimate review of immigration rules, it must avoid making changes that disrupt the lives of thousands of law-abiding and skilled employees, and that inflict substantial harm on U.S. competitiveness,” the executives noted in the letter.

The CEOs said that a confusing immigration system in the United States which threatens to split their families apart could encourage them to seek employment in a different country, thereby putting the American economy at a disadvantage.

The letter added that at a time when the numbers of job vacancies are reaching historic highs due to labor shortages, it is not the right time to restrict access to talent. The executives advised the Trump government to avoid changing the rules in the middle of the process as it could result in unnecessary costs and complications.

The Business Roundtable has expressed support for immigration reform that makes it easier for skilled workers to reside in the United States. The group also applauded other White House policies, like the Republican-led changes to the tax law.