The outcome of the upcoming US Presidential election holds significant implications for employment-based immigration, particularly concerning H-1B visas, highlighted a report by the JM Financial.The report noted that if Donald Trump were to regain power, his administration's previous restrictive policies could resurface, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and denial rates for H-1B and L-1 visas.During his first term, initial denial rates for H-1B visas surged from 4 per cent to 17 per cent, while L-1 visa denials rose from 12 per cent to 28 per cent. This trend could re-emerge, impacting IT services firms that heavily rely on these visas.The report said "In his first term, Trump, through his executive order E.O.13788 "Buy American and Hire American", increased restrictions on H-1B visas". (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)However, the landscape has changed since Trump's first term. Current analyses indicate that H-1B wages are already 25-35 per cent above prevailing wages, making claims of wage suppression difficult to substantiate.The report outlined that "we believe Trump's Presidency, while headline negative, will have limited impact on India IT Services players. Harris Presidency, on the other hand, will largely be status quo, in our view".The evolving legislative landscape, including bipartisan bills aimed at reforming the immigration process, could also play a role in shaping the future of high-skilled immigration in the US.
