Amid executive orders, organizations continue helping visa holders find work
A researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Missouri has been finding it difficult to concentrate lately.
While his thoughts should be occupied by all things thermodynamics as he works at an MU research lab, he finds himself questioning everything. He wonders whether or not he will be able to finish his Ph.D. and, more pressingly, whether he will be able to stay another day in the United States.
He holds a J-1 visa, often given to people who teach or conduct research.
“I feel stressed all the time. Let's just put it this way,” said the man, whose name is being withheld because he fears repercussions ofspeaking out. “And I feel like it's impeding my work because I have to worry about legal stuff instead of focusing on my work.”
The “legal stuff” he refers to is the flurry of executive orders targeting immigrants and international workers that President Donald Trump has issued since taking office in January. The researcher said he feels most impacted by Trump’s call for more "vigilant" vetting and evaluation process for visa holders. The executive order targets those who may pose threats to the United States, but constant anti-immigrant political rhetoric worries international professionals in the workforce.