An executive order saying that no green cards will be issued for 60 days has been signed by the US president. This temporary suspension is aimed at helping the US economy get back to normal and also protect the jobs of the local population during the pandemic. However, the order will not affect those who are already in the US and are seeking a change in immigration status. It will be applicable to those people who are applying for permanent residence in the US and to those foreigners desirous of a green card.
Experts are of the opinion that the move will not affect the Indian IT services, given the fact that this is only a temporary order, and nobody is travelling to the US anyway, with everything, including flights being brought to a standstill, amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Also, the US will require expertise and specialised talent when its economy is in the process of trying to get back to normal.
In fact, NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) is of the opinion that Indian IT companies that send highly-skilled workers to the US on H-1B and L1 visas will not be affected.
It only means that Indians who have applied for an employer-sponsored green card will now end up having to wait longer, especially since it has been hinted that the order may even be extended beyond two months.
Value our content... contribute towards our growth. Even a small contribution a month would be of great help for us.
Since eight years, we have been serving the industry through daily news and stories. Our content is free for all and we plan to keep it that way.
Support HRKatha. Pay Here (All it takes is a minute)
