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.