JUN 22, 2020 | US
BSA Statement on Executive Order Suspending Nonimmigrant Visas
WASHINGTON – June 22, 2020 – Today, President Trump released an executive order suspending the issuance of certain categories of new nonimmigrant visas which allow foreign professionals to work in the United States. BSA | The Software Alliance is disappointed by the administration’s announcement as these limitations on access to foreign talent will ultimately harm the US economy.
Foreign nationals working in the United States make our communities better and our economy stronger. Access to foreign talent, adding to the expertise provided by American workers, is critical for the recovery and growth of all sectors of the US economy, including the software industry which supports 14.4 million jobs and contributes $1.6 trillion in total value-added GDP annually.
The software industry, as well as companies in other sectors of the economy that employ highly-skilled foreign workers, rely on nonimmigrant visa programs, including H1-B, to recruit for select positions that are critical for their businesses. Filling these roles, that are more abundant than the number of US employees qualified to fill them, means these jobs can be kept in the US. This allows companies based in the US to remain globally competitive, which in turn boosts the US economy, creating jobs for millions of Americans.
BSA strongly urges the administration to consider the vital role nonimmigrants play in the US economy and refrain from restricting employment of highly-skilled foreign professionals. These restrictions will negatively impact the US economy, decreasing job opportunities for Americans instead of increasing them.
Find more information about BSA’s immigration and workforce development policy agenda here.
ABOUT BSA
BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members are among the world’s most innovative companies, creating software solutions that help businesses of all sizes in every part of the economy to modernize and grow.
With headquarters in Washington, DC, and operations in more than 30 countries, BSA pioneers compliance programs that promote legal software use and advocates for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive growth in the digital economy.