Biden allows H1-B visa ban to expire

The White House has allowed a 2020 ban on H1-B skilled worker and certain other temporary visas to expire on March 31.

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H1-B visas, used more by Indian professionals than any other nationality, were suspended by U.S. President Donald Trump in June last year, ostensibly to protect American jobs, already reeling under the impact of the pandemic.

Visas for intra company transfers (L1), exchange visitors (J1), temporary non-agricultural workers (H-2B) and dependents of H1-B holders (H4) were also impacted by the expiring ban.

At the time, the White House had stated that the aim of the policy was to stop foreign workers from cornering American jobs during the economic distress and consequent shortage of economic opportunities brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the 46th and current U.S. President, Democrat Joe Biden, has allowed the ban on H-1B visa issuance to expire, potentially bringing relief to a large number of Indian nationals, especially IT workers who are prospective applicants for the visa.