Congressman Filemon Vela's Statement on Trump's Executive Order Restricting Work Visas

Press Release

In yet another anti-immigrant move, President Trump signed an executive order that continues the suspension of several work permits, including H-1B visas, H-2B visas, H-4 visas, L-1 visas, and certain J-1 visas through the end of the year. The Trump Administration claims that the order is in response to the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this suspension hurts the economy and negatively impacts American businesses who rely on and benefit from these visa programs.

The suspension will affect high-skilled workers, seasonal workers, spouses of high-skilled immigrants, researchers, scholars, and company executives seeking to transfer to the United States from positions abroad with the same employer. The Trump Administration continues to set restrictions on immigrants who are essential to positive economic growth in the country. Texas alone is home to about 10 percent of all green card holders, and reports indicate the state will likely be impacted the hardest after New York. Experts predict the long-term ramifications of this decision will not only stifle the nation's ability to attract top global talent, but also hurt America's greatest asset -- its diversity.

"President Trump continues his racist agenda by restricting even legal forms of immigration to our country. Unfortunately, this is at a substantial cost to American businesses," said Congressman Vela. "Although this order does not impact those already working in the US, it prevents future economic growth that our country benefits from through these visa programs."

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