News Release from Jewell Stewart & Pratt – April 18, 2017 An Executive Order signed by President Trump on April 18, 2017 directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to, among other items, (1) suggest reforms to help “promote the proper functioning of the H-1B visa program", including ensuring that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid beneficiaries; and (2) propose new rules and issue new guidance to protect the interests of U.S. workers in the administration of the U.S. immigration system, "including through the prevention of fraud or abuse." However, the Executive Order makes no immediate changes to any nonimmigrant visa programs, including the H-1B program. It also does not provide a deadline for the agencies to produce their proposals, guidance, and suggested reforms.
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