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Walmart halts job offers for H-1B visa candidates - BBC

Lau Chi Fung

— 2 min read

Walmart Axes H-1B Visa Hiring Amid Trump Administration's New Fee

In a significant development, Walmart has announced that it will be pausing its hiring process for candidates who require H-1B visas. According to the BBC, this move comes in response to the US government's new $100,000 fee associated with these visas.

Background on H-1B Visas

For those unfamiliar, H-1B visas are a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign workers to temporarily work in the United States. The program is designed to bring highly skilled and specialized workers into the country, particularly in the tech industry.

The process for obtaining an H-1B visa involves several steps, including:

  • Filing a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign worker
  • Paying a filing fee, currently set at $535
  • Hiring the candidate for at least one year in exchange for their labor
  • Petitioning USCIS for approval of the H-1B visa

Trump Administration's New Fee

In November 2022, the US government announced a new fee structure for H-1B visas. The $100,000 fee is intended to discourage companies from taking advantage of the program by bringing in workers at below-market salaries.

The fee applies to both employers and the foreign worker themselves. Employers must pay a portion of the fee upfront, with the remaining amount due after the employee has worked for three years.

Consequences for Walmart

Walmart's decision to pause its H-1B hiring is likely a response to the new fee structure. The company has been one of the largest users of the program, bringing in thousands of foreign workers each year.

By pausing its hiring process, Walmart is sending a clear message that it will no longer participate in the program unless the fees are reduced or restructured.

Industry Impact

The move by Walmart is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry as a whole. Many companies rely on H-1B visas to bring in skilled workers, particularly during periods of high demand.

Without these workers, many firms risk falling behind their competitors and struggling to meet growing demands. The impact on the economy and job market will be significant, with potential losses to GDP and employment rates.

Potential Solutions

There are several potential solutions that could mitigate the effects of the new fee structure:

  • Reducing the fee for employers
  • Increasing the salary threshold for H-1B visas
  • Expanding the pool of candidates eligible for the program
  • Implementing alternative visa programs

These solutions will require careful consideration and negotiation between the US government, industry leaders, and foreign workers.

Conclusion

Walmart's decision to pause its H-1B hiring is a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and worker compensation. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of the tech industry hangs in the balance.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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