Wed Nov 06 12:06:14 UTC 2024: ## Trump’s Return Could Impact H-1B Visa Holders, Warns JM Financial
**New Delhi, November 5, 2024:** A report by JM Financial suggests that the outcome of the 2024 US Presidential election could significantly impact work-related immigration, particularly H-1B visa holders.
The report highlights that if Donald Trump wins the election, he may reintroduce policies similar to his previous term, which could lead to stricter regulations and higher rejection rates for H-1B and L-1 visas.
During Trump’s previous presidency, the initial rejection rate for H-1B visas rose from 4% to 17%, while the L-1 visa rejection rate increased from 12% to 28%. JM Financial predicts a similar trend if Trump is re-elected.
The report warns that these potential changes could significantly impact IT service companies, especially those heavily reliant on H-1B visas.
It notes that Trump’s previous administration issued Executive Order 13788, known as “Buy American, Hire American”, which introduced tighter restrictions on H-1B visas.
While many IT companies have since reduced their dependence on H-1B visas, with the reliance on such workers declining from 65% to less than 50% in recent years, the report cautions that a Trump victory could lead to renewed difficulties in hiring skilled workers.
Furthermore, Trump’s administration previously attempted to raise the minimum salary requirement for H-1B visa holders, which was met with legal challenges. The report suggests that such initiatives may be revived under a Trump presidency, potentially creating financial strain for some companies.
Although salary requirements for H-1B visa holders are currently 25-35% higher than the general salary range, potentially contributing to allegations of wage suppression, the report predicts that a Trump win would not have a significant impact on Indian IT companies.
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