The “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, signed in 2017, reshaped business immigration by tightening eligibility for employment-based visas, especially H-1B. It emphasized awarding visas to the most-skilled or highest-paid applicants, leading to heightened scrutiny, increased denial rates, and more frequent audits. These constraints made it harder for businesses particularly in tech and STEM sectors, to access foreign talent, prompting some to offshore roles or restructure global operations. Strategically, firms faced elevated compliance burdens, potential delays, and rising operational costs. Ultimately, the order compelled companies to reassess immigration strategies, talent pipelines, and global workforce models to remain competitive under protectionist policy shifts.
How can I ensure compliance during government audits or site visits?
You must comply with immigration and employment regulations to conduct any formal government audit or site visit. Ensure that all records, including completion by current employees