Claiming a need to restrain numbers of "foreign nationals" working in the U.S. as the country pushes to restart the economy and lower domestic unemployment, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 22 that suspends issuance of new non-immigrant visas through Dec. 31, including guest worker and academic programs that may impact the construction sector. The restrictions take effect on June 24.
The order cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the main reason for suspending new visas, including the H-1B, H-2B, J and L programs. It also extends to year-end the administration's April 22-enacted freeze on new green cards applications for permanent residency.