The White House is preparing new immigration restrictions, using the coronavirus as a cover-up

One of the key figures behind the immigration restriction movement is Stephen Miller, Trump’s leading immigration adviser and architect of the president’s strict immigration agenda. In April, Trump signed an executive order banning part of immigration to the U.S., after he achieved an explicit ban on immigration to that country. Trump claimed that an order is needed to protect American jobs.

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the administration has progressed with a series of immigration measures that fought for a breakthrough before the coronavirus. Among those changes is the closure of the southern border for migrants, including asylum seekers, unless certain conditions are met.

Stakeholders, businesses and experts are fighting any new restrictions, saying visas that allow immigrants to work temporarily in the US are crucial to the economy.

“Why would he want to reduce the critical workforce that will help the economy recover?” said Greg Chen, director of relations with the government of the American Association of Immigration Lawyers.

“This is not a rational or reasonable approach to the stated goals of what they are trying to achieve, which only indicates the fundamental purpose of achieving the president’s pre-election goals – cutting off immigration,” Chen added.

Trump has promised that the previous order will “ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for work as our economy reopens.”

The White House did not immediately comment on this story.

Legal immigration, which had already become a hit during the outbreak, is once again the focus of discussions on the envisaged executive order for immigration.

An exemption is expected to be made for activities related to Covid-19, such as health workers and food supply businesses, sources said.

In recent weeks, companies and industry groups have expressed concern in letters, stressing the importance of a highly skilled workforce for the U.S. economy.

On Tuesday, the tech trade group wrote to Trump claiming that non-immigrant visas are key to sustaining the economy amid the global public health crisis.

The overseas-born U.S. workforce, wrote the Information Technology Council, “allows many Americans to continue working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and play a key role … to ensure secure business and connected people.”

ITI is supported by companies including Apple, Google, Microsoft and Oracle.

“There are employers, there are trade associations that are constantly talking to management and Congress about the value of these programs,” Gregg Hartley, co-chair of the H2-B coalition, told CNN. “It’s a lasting effort. The letter is one of many attempts that policymakers have all the facts at hand.”

But just as businesses and industry groups have made their contributions, so have advocates of reduced immigration who say change is necessary to protect American workers.

“We provide information through feedback channels and most importantly, our members, our residents are pushing the same plan,” said Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, a group advocating for reduced immigration.

“Whenever appropriate, but no later than 50 days from the date of entry into force of this proclamation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor, will recommend whether to continue or amend this proclamation,” the order reads, setting a deadline for this weekend. .