Business lobbying led to softer US green card stance: Report

Strong lobbying by US business leaders reportedly prompted the administration to soften its stance on a green card policy that had raised concerns among employers. Officials later assured industry representatives that most work visas would remain unaffected while formal guidance is awaited

Washington: Strong lobbying by American business leaders with the US government over its new policy on green cards led to a softening of its stance on the issue, with officials dealing with immigration assuring industry leaders that most work visas would remain unaffected, The Washington Post reported.

The pushback from business leaders, including those from the technology and artificial intelligence sectors, came soon after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rolled out a policy that required individuals working in the US to return to their home countries to apply for permanent residency or a green card.

In the ensuing days, multiple private discussions over the phone and email took place among prominent businesses, industry groups and CEOs with the White House and the Departments of Homeland Security, Labour and State, The Washington Post reported, quoting people familiar with the discussions.

The US Chamber of Commerce was among the industry groups that pressed administration officials for further guidance and warned of the harm to their workforce last week, it said, adding that the tech industry also conveyed concerns to the White House.

Then, late last week, the administration veered sharply in its messaging. USCIS officials privately reassured business leaders in a meeting that most work visas would not be impacted, The Post reported.

The USCIS also clarified to reporters that most immigrants seeking permanent residency would not have to leave the country. Formal guidance on this issue is still awaited.

“Business leaders reached out in a straightforward way to the administration to share their concerns about the green card policy,” said Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, an advocacy group that represents Fortune 500 companies.

“We are glad to know that the administration is listening to those concerns and willing to work with the American business community,” Murray said.

According to The Post, business leaders have been raising concerns about restrictive immigration policy in conversations with Trump confidants, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and members of the Kushner family.

Business leaders have also been in direct communication with the White House, specifically the Domestic Policy Council, through private channels to voice opposition to immigration policies that restrict access to workers, the report said.