American senator Tom Cotton on Friday emphasized the need for major improvement in H-1B visa program and announced that they would present a new law to strict monitoring and priority to American workers next week.
He wrote on the social media platform X, ‘President Trump and Secretary Laurie Chavez-dremor are absolutely correct that the H-1B program needs to be improved. Next week I will introduce two bills, which will bring very important changes in this program and keep American workers first.
America launched ‘Project Firewall’
The statement came at a time when the US Department of Labor launched the ‘Project Firewall’, which is said to be one of the most aggressive campaigns in the history of H-1B program. Secretary Laurie Chavez-Deramer said, “H-1B visa is taking action to prevent misuse, protecting American workers and ensuring jobs for Americans.”
What is the project firewall?
The US Labor Department announced the project firewall earlier this week. This is an enforcement initiative, which aims to protect American workers’ rights and job opportunities by preventing misuse of H-1B visa process.
Under this campaign:
Active Investigation: For the first time, the Labor Secretary himself will certify the investigation of companies who are suspected of H-1B violation, that is, action will not be awaited only after receiving complaints.
Justice Employers will have to pay H-1B employees equal pay or equal salary as American employees.
Similar advantage: H-1B employees will get the same facilities that are given to American employees.
Recruitment condition: In some cases, companies have to prove that they tried honestly to appoint American workers.
Strict punishment: Employers who break the rules can be fined, obligation to repay the outstanding salary, or temporary restrictions from the program.
Cooperation of agencies: The Labor Department will take action against fraud and discrimination in collaboration with the Department of Justice (Doj), Equal Opportunities Commission (EEOC), and USCIS.
What did India say?
India, whose professional is the highest number of H-1B visa holders, has given a vigilant reaction to the US move. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday that ‘Global Workforce’ is needed in today’s interconnected world, which cannot be completed only with demography.
Jaishankar insisted that the world needs to create a ‘modern and skilled global workforce model’ that is distributed to the global workplaces. He warned that immigration rituals, tariffs and protectionist policies can complicate global trade and talent flow.
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