WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it was replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.“The existing random selection process of H-1B registrations was exploited and abused by U.S.employers who were primarily seeking to import foreign workers at lower wages than they would pay American workers,” said U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee on highly skilled workers, which is being challenged in court.The president also rolled out a $1 million “gold card” visa as a pathway to U.S.citizenship for wealthy individuals.A press release announcing the new rule says it is “in line with other key changes the administration has made, such as the Presidential Proclamation that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa as a condition of eligibility.”Historically, H-1B visas have been awarded through a lottery system.
This year, Amazon was by far the top recipient, with more than 10,000 visas approved, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple and Google.California has the highest concentration of H-1B workers.Popular ReadsEpstein files so far don't support allegations of previously unknown accomplicesDec 19, 11:58 PMSearch for missing swimmer suspended; witness saw shark with body in its mouthDec 22, 10:00 PMRob Reiner's son arrested for murder in stabbing death of famed director, wifeDec 15, 6:39 PMSupporters of the H-1B program say it is an important pathway to hiring healthcare workers and educators.They say it drives innovation and economic growth in the U.S.
and allows employers to fill jobs in specialized fields.The number of new visas issued annually is capped at 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 for people with a master’s degree or higher.
