US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to bar H1-B visa technology workers on federal government contracts in the US. Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, Trump said, "Today, I am signing an executive order to ensure that the Federal government lives by a very simple rule: Hire American".
"Today, I am signing an executive order to ensure that the Federal government lives by a very simple rule: Hire American." pic.twitter.com/G8YGU99XMb
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 3, 2020
He added "We're finalizing H-1B regulations so that no American worker is replaced ever again."
President @realDonaldTrump: "We're finalizing H-1B regulations so that no American worker is replaced ever again." pic.twitter.com/aQs53zPiso
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 3, 2020
The President has also fired the chair of the Tennessee Valley Authority, criticizing the federal-owned corporation for hiring foreign workers.
Trump told reporters at the White House that he was formally removing chair Skip Thompson and another member of the board, and he threatened to remove other board members if they continue.
The order followed the TVA’s announcement that it would outsource 20% of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries. TVA’s action could cause more than 200 highly skilled American tech workers in Tennessee to lose their jobs to foreign workers hired on temporary work visas, according to the White House.
Trump also said the TVA board must immediately hire a new chief executive officer who “puts the interests of Americans first.” According to Trump, the CEO, Jeff Lyash, earns $8 million a year.
“The new CEO must be paid no more than $500,000 a year,” Trump said. “We want the TVA to take action on this immediately. ... Let this serve as a warning to any federally appointed board: If you betray American workers, you will hear two words: ‘You’re fired.’”
The White House tweeted that immediately after President Trump's remarks, the CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority signaled willingness to reverse a terrible decision that would have ousted 200+ highly skilled American workers and replaced them with lower-wage foreign workers.
Immediately after President Trump's remarks, the CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority signaled willingness to reverse a terrible decision that would have ousted 200+ highly skilled American workers and replaced them with lower-wage foreign workers. pic.twitter.com/1aAYpUNxmP
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 3, 2020
Further Vice President Mike Pence reiterated the order, telling workers gathered at the White House that, "We're not just solving your problem. What the President's committing to today is to end the abuse of our worker visa program, once and for all."
"We're not just solving your problem," Vice President @Mike_Pence said to the workers gathered at the White House today.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 3, 2020
"What the President's committing to today is to end the abuse of our worker visa program, once and for all." pic.twitter.com/4xYh31SWcq
(With inputs from AP)