Increased scrutiny, higher costs, longer processing times: In an interview with Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, Warner attorney Dan Persinger previews what employers who rely on skilled international workers are likely to face after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
A senior counsel focused on immigration law at Warner, Persinger noted that businesses faced “heightened bureaucratic barriers” during Trump’s first term. He said employers may encounter new restrictions on the H-1B visa program, which is the primary vehicle for securing skilled workers from other countries.
“The bottom line is that there will be increased scrutiny on foreign workers and the businesses that want to employ them,” Persinger told Crain’s. “That will probably result in increased processing times, possibly increased costs and probably more uncertainty for businesses who utilize international labor.”
He noted that both Republican and Democratic administrations had “greater deference” for the H1-B program – but that changed during Trump’s first term, when “denial rates spiked.” Persinger is counseling his clients to be prepared for higher price tags and longer lead times for international talent in the coming years.
“I would hate to see our West Michigan businesses that are smaller, but truly international, disadvantaged in accessing talent that they need,” Persinger told Crain’s.
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