What Changed Under Trump?
During Trump’s tenure, immigration policy saw major shifts aimed at tightening visa regulations and reducing legal immigration. The administration introduced measures to increase scrutiny on H-1B applications, including:
Stricter eligibility criteria: Emphasis on “specialty occupation” definitions became narrower, leading to more application denials.
Higher wage requirements: Policies pushed employers to pay higher wages, making it more challenging for some companies to hire foreign workers.
Increased site visits and audits: More workplace inspections added layers of complexity and fear among visa holders.
“Buy American, Hire American” executive order: This approach prioritized American workers and discouraged dependence on foreign talent.
Impact on Green Card Aspirants
For many H-1B visa holders, the ultimate goal is to transition to a US green card (permanent residency). Trump’s stricter policies created longer waiting periods and more uncertainties in green card processing, especially for applicants from highly populated countries like India and China.
Although these policies aimed to protect local jobs, they inadvertently pushed skilled workers to consider alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Current Scenario: Is the Worry Still Valid?
With the Biden administration, several of these restrictions have been rolled back or softened. The current policies focus on welcoming skilled immigrants and supporting US businesses in attracting global talent. Processing times are gradually improving, and approval rates have stabilized compared to the Trump era.
However, challenges remain:
Backlogs in green card applications still cause delays, especially in employment-based categories.
Annual quotas continue to limit the number of green cards issued per country.
What Can Applicants Do?
Stay informed: Regularly check updates from USCIS and trusted immigration consultants.
Maintain strong documentation: Ensure all paperwork is clear, complete, and meets current legal requirements.
Consider alternative paths: Explore options like EB-1 (extraordinary ability), O-1, or investment visas as backup plans.
Conclusion
While Trump’s immigration policies created real concerns and hurdles, the overall environment today is more welcoming for skilled workers. If you are planning to move to the US on an H-1B visa and eventually apply for a green card, it is important to work with reliable immigration professionals and stay proactive.