US tightens scrutiny of skilled worker visa applicants

Some see effort to slow immigration process as long overdue, while businesses say H-1B visas are needed to fill jobs

The Trump administration is adding hurdles and increasing scrutiny in the employment-visa application process, making it harder for businesses to hire foreign workers, and companies and immigration attorneys are bracing for more changes soon.

President Donald Trump has long campaigned against illegal immigration, but he also backs reductions to legal immigration, arguing that foreigners provide unneeded competition for Americans. So far, the administration hasn’t enacted wholesale policy changes to the employment-visa programs. Congress hasn’t enacted any new limits or changes either. But the administration has tightened the system in ways that together are making it tougher to import foreign workers.