President Trump Signs “Buy American Hire American” (BAHA) Executive Order to reform Foreign Alien Hirings
President Trump on April 18, 2017 signed an executive order which is a blanket order to Executive for administration and enforcement of laws governing entry of Alien workers into United States from abroad including Labor Certification requirements under S. 212(a)(5) of Immigration and Nationality Act.
Sec 5 of the order directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue new Rules and guidance to protect United States workers.
Sec 5(b) of the order directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to suggest reforms in H1B program so that H1B visas are awarded to highly skilled and highly paid foreign workers.
The immediate effect of the order on H1B petitioners is unknown and shall be minimal as the order does not directs or supersedes any policy rather it sets the platform for the future policy under Buy American Hire American initiative.
The complete text of the Executive order can be read here.
We strongly advise foreign aliens who wish to enter United States as Permanent Residents to contact us for consultation to determine their eligibility before new policies impact the chances of success on their petitions.