Trump vows changes in high-tech visas

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday promised changes in the way the U.S. handles temporary visas that allow American companies to bring high-tech and other skilled workers into the U.S.

In a tweet, Trump said those who hold the temporary H1-B visas can “rest assured” because changes were coming that will bring “both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship.”

He said the U.S. wants to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue careers in the U.S.

The changes to which he was referring are likely a proposal announced late last year by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration.

The proposal included a shift to online applications for the coveted visas and changed procedures to increase the advantages of applicants with graduate degrees.

It’s a lottery system. There are 65,000 visas available, plus an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from a U.S. institution. The advanced-degree visas are chosen first, and those not selected are thrown into the pot of the 65,000 visas, which include those with bachelor’s degrees.

President Barack Obama’s administration raised concerns that some businesses were using the visas to favor foreigners over U.S. workers, suing companies that it said violated the Immigration and Nationality Act’s anti-discrimination provisions.