President Trump ordered an extension Thursday of immigration restrictions limiting the issuance of some work visas as the U.S. economy contends with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The White House has argued the restrictions are necessary to project job opportunities for American workers amid a surge in unemployment during the pandemic. In a proclamation detailing the move, Trump noted that COVID-19 "continues to significantly disrupt Americans' livelihoods." In June, Trump expanded the order to limit several guest worker programs, including new H-1B tech worker visas, H-2B seasonal worker visas, certain J work and education exchange visitor visas and L executive transfer visas, with some exceptions. Groups in favor of continued restrictions on legal immigration during the pandemic had called on Trump to extend the order.

Source: Fox News January 01, 2021 02:03 UTC