Loren Locke interviewed by Information Week about how Trump's immigration policies are creating an IT workforce crisis

Loren Locke, an immigration attorney at Locke Immigration Law in Atlanta, believes that the system has become increasingly hostile to foreign-born workers. “These aren’t undocumented immigrants, but the government is treating them as though they are unwanted -- even when they are in full compliance,” she says. 

Recently, Locke has witnessed an uptick in rejected paperwork and outright denials. “People can’t travel to their home countries. They have no assurance that they will continue to live and work in the US.” Beyond the immediate disruption, these actions could convince skilled workers and students to avoid the US altogether or forgo renewing their visas. 

In July, Locke spotted another subtle but important shift in policy. “When H1-B visa holders are laid off or attempt to change from one job to another -- and in the process withdraw their old petition as required by law -- they are being referred to immigration court for removal rather than receiving the required 60-day grace period,” she says. “These are people who, in some cases, have been in the US workforce for decades. They have families, houses, and cars in the US, with American children attending school.” 

https://www.informationweek.com/it-leadership/how-immigration-crackdowns-are-changing-it-talent-management