Trump plans to reform of H-1B visas for skilled workers

Trump plans to reform of H-1B visas for skilled workers

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump wants to retool the fabled H-1B visas for skilled workers sought by Silicon Valley heavyweights, a White House official said Monday.

There are, however, limits to the scope of his action in the absence of a broader legislative plan.

These time-limited work permits meant for scientists, engineers and computer programmers are an important gateway for many Indians attracted by Silicon Valley.

Trump on Tuesday will sign a decree while in Kenosha, Wisconsin, ordering the Labor, Justice and Homeland Security departments to propose reforms so that the H-1B program goes back to its roots.

Its "original intent (was) awarding visas to the most skilled and highest paid applicants -- crucially, at such time as these reforms are eventually implemented, it will prevent the program from being used to displace American workers," a White House official said. (APP)