US Midterms: No Relief for H-1B Workers?

Indian H-1B workers await policy clarity

In spite of the sweeping Democratic Party victory in the midterm elections, Indian workers have remained cautious. H-1B workers argue that the Republican Party will change tactics after the loss.

Targeting illegal immigrants hurts support from minorities in red states, like Texas, which voted Democratic this year. The speculation now is that fully legal immigrants might be attacked.

Many believe that the H-1B visa is treated like a scapegoat. If nothing else is found to blame for the issues in the US, blaming immigrants for taking jobs is the easiest.

H-1B workers in the US have no say in the US political scene. They cannot vote, and neither are they popular with American workers.

As a result, it is believed that neither party will support H-1Bs for fear of angering voter bases.

The theory of attacking legal immigration is supported by a new rule passed just a day after the elections. The USCIS made a change to how officers assess Good Moral Character during naturalization applications.

The new rule outlines conduct regarding financial and public-benefits. This could disqualify green card holders who are deemed as intentionally avoiding self-sufficiency.

The newly Democratic Congress can now challenge Trump’s anti-immigration orders. However, it seems to be unlikely that H-1B workers will get any relief in the next two years.