ThinkStock PhotosThe potential exemptions include technology workers on H-1B/ L-1 visas providing critical infrastructure services, which Nasscom has been advocating.
PUNE: IT industry lobby group Nasscom said on Thursday that it welcomed the US administration’s move to exempt certain H-1B visa holders from a ban announced earlier by President Donald Trump, while remaining ‘cautiously optimistic’ about some of its caveats.
On Wednesday, the US Department of State announced ‘national interest exemptions’ to the two Presidential Proclamations suspending entry of certain immigrant and non-immigrant (H-1B, H-2B, and L-1) visa holders into the United States, which were issued in April and June.
“That said, we believe this is a step in the right direction and encourage the implementing agencies to ensure US businesses’ access to critical talent is not hampered,” it added.
The potential exemptions include technology workers on H-1B/ L-1 visas providing critical infrastructure services, which Nasscom has been advocating.
It also includes exceptions for H-1B/ L-1 visa-holders who would be returning to the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification.
Nasscom has been highlighting the role played by tech workers on H-1B visas in delivering services designated essential, as per the Department of Homeland Security’s guidance earlier.
On Wednesday, the US Department of State announced ‘national interest exemptions’ to the two Presidential Proclamations suspending entry of certain immigrant and non-immigrant (H-1B, H-2B, and L-1) visa holders into the United States, which were issued in April and June.
“We remain “cautiously optimistic” – as caveats in the DoS guidance about seniority, unique and significant contributions and/or other factors that go along with the exceptions still allow a lot of leeway in interpretation of the new guidance. The impact can only be gauged in course of time,” Nasscom said in a statement.
“That said, we believe this is a step in the right direction and encourage the implementing agencies to ensure US businesses’ access to critical talent is not hampered,” it added.
The potential exemptions include technology workers on H-1B/ L-1 visas providing critical infrastructure services, which Nasscom has been advocating.
It also includes exceptions for H-1B/ L-1 visa-holders who would be returning to the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification.
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Nasscom has been highlighting the role played by tech workers on H-1B visas in delivering services designated essential, as per the Department of Homeland Security’s guidance earlier.
( Originally published on Aug 13, 2020 )
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