On Monday (June 22), U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that temporarily suspends numerous nonimmigrant visas, including temporary H-1B visas favoured among large corporations to hire the world’s best talents. This decision was procured after a decree to cease issuance of green cards for permanent residency.

The reasoning behind both measures was to create 525,000 more jobs for U.S. citizens, claimed a Trump administration official. Yet, amongst the half-a-million people who are blackballed by the U.S. over the next six months, many are in-demand workers of high skills and qualifications.

The reality is that H-1B visa provides foreigners with “highly specialized knowledge” to work in the U.S. for three years, with potential to extend. Such workers consist of engineers and scientists who are essential in the U.S. tech industry, especially Silicon Valley. 

“They are essential because the United States has simply done too poor a job in the last 20 years of educating enough graduates to meet demand in tech” says Aleksandar (Alex) Stojicevic, managing partner of MKS.  “Without those immigrants, United States loses its ability long term to fill the skill shortages and innovate for the future”.

Heads of the world’s leading tech companies, including Apple Inc., Google parent Alphabet Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Tesla Inc., were quick to shake their heads at Mr. Trump’s order. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, tweeted:

“Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both. Deeply disappointed by this proclamation.”

This new immigration wall barricading the U.S. is certainly a loss for the Americans. The irony lies in Mr. Trump when he cited Canada’s points-based immigration system for skilled workers as an inspiration for a U.S. model. However, Mr. Trump’s progress seems to be only moving backwards.

Luckily, Canada sees strength in immigration and is open to accepting high-skilled immigrants.

Leaders of the Canadian tech sector are encouraging skilled workers to relocate and seek jobs here. The Canadian operations with prominent U.S. tech enterprise such as Amazon.com Inc, Alphabet Inc, Facebook Inc, and Netflix Inc have also grown in recent years, as have dozens of smaller companies.

Since 2015, Canada has launched the Express Entry program, a triaging system for people who meet the minimum requirements in such immigration categories Canadian Experience Class and  Federal skilled worker. This has appealed to a generous number of foreign skilled workers, particularly younger ones with strong English language ability and higher education credentials.

Many of the successful applicants to the visa program were skilled workers in the line of technology. Computer programmers, interactive media developers, information systems analysts and consultants are highly sought after, according to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

Following America’s immigration crackdown, the increased intake to work in Canada is leverage to boost Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic.

MKS Immigration Lawyers is an established law firm that specializes in all Canadian immigration services. They have intensive knowledge and professional skills to assist you. Whether your business is facing labour shortages to hire from the foreign talent pool or you are an individual who needs help obtaining entry to Canada, MKS Immigration Lawyers are here to provide you with the best solutions. Book a consultation today to see how the Canadian Business Immigration and Federal Skilled Trades Program might work for you.

Article References:
1. https://globalnews.ca/news/7113933/immigration-us-canada-technology/
2. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-dear-donald-thanks-for-the-new-immigration-wall-love-canada/