Saturday marks the first 100 days of President Trump’s tenure in office so far, and on its coattails came a possible government shutdown, major tax reform proposals, as well as an order to review the H-1B visa program.
The last may be one of the only policies that has yet to become a “left” or “right” issue, according to a new icitizen survey on the topic.
In an online poll of 1,008 U.S. adults nationwide, a majority (59%) support the program as it stands (37% oppose, 3% unsure) once respondents were given a full description of the H-1B visa program, along with both pro and con arguments.
Currently, the H-1B visa program allows for a limited number of highly-skilled foreign workers to live and work in the U.S. Visas can be valid for up to six years and are renewable. Foreign workers in the program must also be employed by a sponsoring company while they live in the U.S.
“The H-1B visa program is a policy that intersects issues of immigration, technology and workforce development,” said icitizen’s Director of Polling, Cynthia Villacis. “Results suggest that unlike many of today’s policies, this issue remains unpolarized.”
Data shows 80% of Americans, however, support reform to the program that would require U.S. employers to first offer a job to a qualified American worker before seeking out a foreign H-1B holder to fill the position (17% oppose, 3% unsure).
Support for this change to the program is consistent along lines of age, gender, race, education and party identification.
Already, tech companies and other industries are bracing for the implications of these possible changes. How does this affect workforce development? That visa holders could become much more expensive to employ, and would require more education than is necessary under the current regulations.
In a study released in February from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the current H-1B visa program actually curbs hiring and lowers wages.
That’s why some groups, like FWD, advocate for immigration reform that raises the minimum salary for “highly skilled” and “well-paid” foreign professionals – to combat the argument of displacing American workers and boosting the economy by increasing wages for everyone.
Where does this leave the president? Data suggest that the public is receptive to reform. Trump has an opportunity to take the reigns of this immigration policy and appease all sides of the aisle.
Whether Trump extends an olive branch is still up in the air. Only time will tell.