US continues to access talent critical to the recovery phase

On April 22nd 2020, White House came out with a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who present risk to the U.S. Labor Market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. It suspends entry only of individuals on certain Immigrant Visas(IVs). It does not apply to any Non-Immigrant Visas. It lasts for 60 days, but may be extended by the President and only applies to individuals who are outside the U.S. on the effective date (midnight on 11:59 PM on Thursday) and who lack a valid IV or other travel document. It does not apply to individuals in the United States.

It provides exemptions to certain categories including healthcare workers who are essential and critical to helping both the American people and the U.S. economy recover during these difficult times. NASSCOM supports these objectives and believes that it is important that the US continues to access talent critical to the recovery phase. The US needs access to those working in health care sector as well as those essential technology workers who are keeping critical infrastructure operating in the US, ensuring that US hospitals and first responders have the IT systems they need, building and maintaining the systems to help children need to learn remotely, helping US industries to remain open and operating, and playing key roles in efforts to develop treatments and a cure for this disease -- to name but just a few vital services.

We believe that DHS has provided an excellent roadmap for any subsequent potential recommendation for Non-immigrant and other visa categories. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security gave detailed examples of jobs and employees that are essential. In introducing the guidance, CISA stated: “Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations.”

We feel the priorities established by the CISA should help define the types of essential workers that any subsequent recommendations on Non-immigrant visa programs should include and address. We also hope that those developing recommendations regarding these programmes consult broadly and accept input from a wide variety of sources in their deliberations. the statement said.