With the Trump administration rolling out tougher immigration measures, U.S. employers may face new hurdles when hiring international workers. In our February webinar, Boundless experts Erik Finch, Tu Castillo, and Henrik Pretorius shared what’s changing — and what you can do now to prepare.
Key Changes on the Horizon
U.S. immigration processes are under closer scrutiny. Here’s what you need to know:
- Increased Scrutiny: H-1B applications, PERM labor certifications, and green card filings may face tougher review. Expect more requests for evidence and longer processing times.
- Policy Shifts: Watch for potential changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and restrictions on H4 (visa for the spouses and unmarried children under 21) work authorization. These shifts could impact how foreign workers are hired.
- Enhanced Enforcement: There may be more site visits and inspections by various government agencies. Consular appointments and PERM recruitment processes will see stricter reviews.
Webinar Insights: What Experts Are Saying
Employers should now be proactively managing international hiring by integrating it into their overall business strategy. This includes:
- Strategic and Proactive Planning: Treat international hiring as a key, ongoing business strategy to better manage changes and explore diverse talent pools.
- Developing Clear Internal Policies: Establish written, regularly updated guidelines for all immigration matters to ensure compliance, set expectations, and prevent missteps during recruitment.
- Exploring Alternative Visa Options: Consider visa categories like O-1 and EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary abilities or as top achievers to broaden talent acquisition pathways.
- Maintaining EEOC Compliance: Be mindful of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s focus on avoiding anti-American bias during the PERM recruitment process.
- Ensuring Thorough Preparation and Record-keeping: Recognize that consular appointments and government site visits are likely to increase and become more detailed. Maintain meticulous, up-to-date immigration records and supporting documentation for smooth audits and inspections.
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Clearly communicate potential increases in processing times to hiring managers and candidates.
Staying Proactive in a Changing Environment
U.S. immigration is getting more complex, but with the right approach, your business can continue hiring global talent. Focus on compliance, clear communication, and organized recordkeeping to be prepared.
Stay informed, remain flexible, and be ready to adjust your hiring strategy as policies shift. With thoughtful planning, your business can stay competitive in a changing landscape.