Why Our Nation Needs

New Rules on Guest Work Visas

 

IRLI supports more protections for American workers

 

WASHINGTON—In two public comments submitted this week, the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) voiced its approval of two new Trump administration rules strengthening requirements for guest worker visas, such as the H1-B visa, and suggested a laundry list of further reforms.

 

The new rules are opposed by big business for the obvious reasons that they will make it more difficult for companies to pay guest workers less than the prevailing market wage, and also more difficult for companies to hire guest workers when Americans are available. IRLI goes on to urge further changes aimed at the same results, such as not allowing guest workers to be contractors, instead of employees, not allowing H1-B visas for part-time work, and preventing employers from requiring H1-B workers to live in crowded, employer-owned “guest houses” where they are charged exorbitant rent.

 

“American workers are taking it on the chin now because of COVID lockdowns, and these rules to reign in guest worker abuses are both necessary and long overdue,” said Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of IRLI. “Regrettably, rules issued by prior administrations were written by industry lobbyists. These new rules to protect American workers should be implemented as soon as possible, after being enhanced as we have indicated.”

 

The rules are No. ETA–2020–0006: Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States (85 Fed. Reg. 63,872) and USCIS–2020–0018: Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program (85 Fed. Reg. 63,918).

 

For additional information, contact: Brian Lonergan • 202-232-5590 • [email protected]