How do you see the ban on H1-B visas by Donald Trump impacting the Indian IT companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro and others?

Donald Trump has officially suspended the entry of certain foreign workers into the US effective immediately. He has averred that the move would help the US economy, which has been devastated by COVID-19, to recover quickly. This proclamation issued by Trump temporarily blocks foreign workers entering on H-1B visas. Trump also blocked those entering on H-2B seasonal worker visas.

This visa suspension will open up over half a million jobs for American workers and will be applicable till the end of the year. This was apparently necessitated after the US reported unemployment at rates as high as 13.5% in the latest month. According to Trump, this was the best way to get Americans back to work as quickly as possible.

Trump’s order exempts those already in the United States as well as those holding valid visas in the US. The measure exempts food supply chain workers and people whose entry is deemed in the national interest of the United States. The suspension will include J-visas for cultural exchange opportunities as well as visas for spouses of H-1B workers.

Microsoft and other IT companies in the US have, however, urged the Trump government to refrain from restricting employment of highly-skilled foreign professionals as these restrictions would negatively impact the US economy. Many business lobby groups have been protesting against a temporary visa ban before it was announced.