The Louisiana workforce is made up of all kinds of different men and women, and many foreign workers take on vital roles that help support economic progression. Tech companies in particular understand just how important it is to have the best person for the job, and while some of those workers come from America, many also come from other countries. With new employment immigration policies impacting the ability to hire foreign workers, some tech companies are advocating for changes.
Alongside several other groups, the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are suing the government over a June 22, 2020 proclamation. That proclamation suspended entry for H-1B, H-2B, L-1 and some J-1 visas through the end of 2020. Another 52 organizations and companies recently filed an amicus brief voicing their support for the lawsuit and disapproval of the proclamation.
The brief claims that the visa suspensions do not help out the U.S. and, in fact, actually cause significant harm. Companies such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix and more all believe that doing so will stifle innovative work, which will hamper growth and cause broad economic damage. The brief also points out that the proclamation is likely to make working for U.S. businesses less attractive to the world’s best talent, ultimately sending them elsewhere. Other global competitors have apparently already been working to recruit those who might have otherwise come to the U.S.
Anyone who has ever owned, operated or managed a business knows how important it is to have the right people. Having limited access to the best possible workers can make operating a business in Louisiana uniquely challenging, too. This does not mean that a business must simply resign itself to giving up on employment immigration and accepting unqualified candidates. Those who are still interested in hiring highly skilled works may want to consider reaching out for guidance about their options for doing so.