On Tuesday, US unveiled new rules for immigration visas used widely by technology firms, claiming the new system would be better for American workers.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulations for so-called H-1B visas for highly skilled workers, which allow up to 85,000 immigrants annually.
The new regulations, details of which were not disclosed, would narrow the definition of specialty occupation which according to DHS allowed companies to game the system.
The plan, to be implemented after a 60-day comment period, would also seek to require firms to make real offers to US residents before seeking to bring in foreigners and add new compliance mechanisms.
In a statement Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said: “We have entered an era in which economic security is an integral part of homeland security.”
“Put simply, economic security is homeland security. In response, we must do everything we can within the bounds of the law to make sure the American worker is put first.”
Last week, US District Judge Jeffrey White in San Francisco granted a preliminary injunction to block the government from ending the H-1B visa program, in a case brought by the US Chamber of Commerce and supported by technology trade groups.
