New immigration restrictions ordered by President Donald Trump went into effect Thursday, barring individuals from several countries from traveling to the United States, according to updated federal guidance.
Seven Countries Added to Travel Ban
Under the new rules, travelers from Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Syria are prohibited from entering the U.S. starting Jan. 1. The restrictions apply to both immigrants and nonimmigrants, based on guidance dated Dec. 29.
The White House said the measures are being implemented for national security and public safety reasons, while immigration advocates argue the policy disproportionately targets African and Muslim-majority countries.
Existing and Partial Restrictions Continue
The updated policy also maintains existing bans on travelers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Syria. Partial travel restrictions remain in place for individuals from Venezuela and Cuba.
H-1B Visa Changes Now in Effect
The travel ban coincides with new restrictions on H-1B visas that took effect earlier this week. The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields.
Under the changes, the previous random lottery system has been replaced with a weighted selection process that prioritizes higher-wage applicants. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said the shift is intended to curb abuse of the system and encourage employers to seek higher-skilled, higher-paid workers.
Concerns From Immigration Advocates
Immigration attorneys and advocates warn the changes could sharply reduce the number of people who qualify for H-1B visas. Critics say the new system will make it more difficult for international students to remain in the U.S. after graduation and could worsen a “brain drain.”
According to USCIS, the H-1B program is capped at 85,000 visas annually, as the administration continues to pursue broader efforts to tighten immigration and visa policies.
For more on the Trump administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.