Trump extends work visa ban to March

U. S. President Donald Trump extended a ban on new green cards and work visas until months after he leaves office, citing continued weakness in the U.S. labour market due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump on Thursday signed a proclamation that extends to March 31 immigration restrictions he first put into effect in April and renewed in June.

“The effects of COVID-19 on the United States labour market and on the health of American communities is a matter of ongoing national concern, and the considerations present” in the previous proclamations “have not been eliminated,” Trump said.

The extension of the restrictions, which include a freeze on new visas used by technology workers, continues Trump's aggressive campaign to limit immigration of various types to the U.S. during his term. The extension to March means the curbs will be in place when president-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20.

The U.S. unemployment rate in November was 6.7 per cent, down from 14.7 per cent in April at the height of business shutdowns related to the pandemic, but more than double the 3.5-per-cent rate in February. The jobless rate for December will be released on Jan. 8.