Apple CEO Tim Cook 'deeply disappointed' over Trump's H-1B visa suspension

Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook has expressed his disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s proclamation to temporarily suspend employment-based n-immigrant visas. Taking to Twitter, Cook said that diversity has been strength of United States and highlighted its importance for nation’s prosperity.

Several tech leers, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, have deunced decision to temporarily ban n-immigrant visas and reform H-1B immigration program. Pichai, an immigrant himself, said that immigrants have immensely contributed to United States’ success and that he was disappointed by President Trump's order. Pichai ded that US has become a global leer in techlogy because of contribution from immigrants.

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'To protect American jobs'

On June 22, White House said in a statement that Trump ministration will reform immigration system to “prioritise highest-skilled workers and protect American jobs”. It ded that se reforms will help protect ws of American workers and ensure that foreign labour entering United States is highly skilled and does t undercut US labour market. 

For Indians, H-1B for IT professionals, B-1 and B-2 visas for business or travel purposes, and F-1 for students are some prominent n-immigrant visas. H1-B visa allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require oretical or technical expertise and Indian IT professionals looking for onshore opportunities heavily depend on it.

According to a Bloomberg report, around 133,000 H1-B visas were awarded to workers starting initial employment with a company in fiscal year 2019. Over 12,000 people were awarded L-1 visas in initial applications, and over 98,000 people were issued H-2B visas in same fiscal year. Critics believe that US President is using pandemic as an excuse to work on his long-term nda of limiting immigration to United States. 

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