Immigrant Workers Hurry to Get Visas Before Trump's Return to Office

Daniel Keith Lee
Published Feb 12, 2026


As Donald Trump prepares to become president again, many people who were born in other countries and work in the U.S. are rushing to make sure they can stay in the country. 

They are worried because, during Trump's first time as president, it was harder for them to get H1-B visas. These visas are special because they are for people with a lot of skills, and there are only 85,000 of them available each year.

People are not just worried about being able to stay in the U.S. They also wonder if they should travel during the holiday season. Lawyers are advising them to travel if they must but to return before January 6.

Companies are also getting involved. They're calling lawyers to ask how changes in immigration rules might affect their workers. Some businesses are trying to find out if they can renew visas for their employees whose documents are about to expire within the next year and a half.

Aside from all the talk about Trump's plans, there's also some advice on how to manage your career during this time. Suggestions include how to search for a job before the new president starts, finding a side job that doesn't need a lot of money to start, and other ways to make your work life better.

One important tip is about personal branding. No matter your job, creating a strong personal image can help you stand out and grow in your career. Whether it's through social media, speaking at events, or other methods, showing who you are and what you're good at can open new doors for you.

Dig Deeper: Maximizing Your LinkedIn Experience: Essential Features You're Probably Overlooking

In other news, Nvidia, a company that makes AI chips, was ranked as the best company in America by Forbes. Despite Trump's plans to reduce environmental protections, the Sierra Club is ready to fight for more eco-friendly jobs. 

There are mixed feelings about how changes in trade policies might affect American jobs, with some seeing benefits and others facing losses.

Boeing employees coming back from a strike were told they'd get their lost wages, but the company is still cutting jobs. In New York, there's a new proposal that might let people take paid time off to care for their pets. Finally, bankers might see bigger bonuses this year, the first increase since 2021, because of a stronger financial market.

For people who served in the military and are looking for civilian jobs, companies like Google, Salesforce, and Ipsos are some of the top places to work according to Forbes.

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