Maka Hutson Speaks with Reuters on Changes to H-1B Visa Program Under Biden-Harris Admin
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Maka Hutson, counsel in the international trade practice at Akin Gump, was featured in the Reuters video “Immigration lawyers voice cautious optimism on Biden visa moves.” The story looks at changes being made to some of the major U.S. work visa programs under President Biden and how immigration lawyers are responding.
Hutson first spoke of what she described as “very restrictive interpretations of the H-1B Visa regulations” during the Trump administration. In June 2020 after the onset of the pandemic, she said, those restrictions were tightened further when President Donald Trump issued a proclamation “that restricted entry for [certain] business visitors. That really affected the business community because they couldn’t bring any new employees under this visa,” though there were some exceptions under the national interest of the United States.
Now, in just the first two months under President Biden, Hutson said there are already signs of change. “We have already seen a change in tone. We have seen the public charge regulation rescinded,” which she said presented a significant burden in terms of producing more documents on somebody’s financial situation. “All of that is gone,” she added.
To watch the video in its entirety, please click here.
