People navigating the immigration system in the U.S. are often told that as long as they do what they are supposed to do, their status in the country will not be an issue. However, as far too many immigrants know, this is not always the case.

This is especially true in the current political climate, as immigration laws and standards seem to change every week. What used to be a somewhat predictable system is now rife with complications and unwelcome surprises. Currently, H-1B visa holders are among those who are struggling with some unexpected barriers.

Upending once-predictable rules

Guest workers with an H-1B visa have the support of their employers and the security of knowing that their visa is valid for at least three years when they stay at their job. And the process of renewing these visas used to be fairly standard.

However, that is no longer the case. As discussed in this article, statistics show that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied a whopping 24 percent of first-time H-1B visa applications through September 2019. In 2015, the USCIS only denied 6 percent of such applications.

Regarding H-1B visa extensions and transfers, the USCIS denied just 3 percent in 2015. This year, that rate shot up to 12 percent.

The fact that the current administration is denying these visas at a record rate without changes in the law to support the higher standards has many workers understandably concerned.

Protecting yourself and your H-1B visa

Whether you are applying for an H-1B visa for the first time or you want to renew one you currently hold, the possibility of a rejection is upsetting. And in such an unpredictable climate, the fact is that you cannot assume anything is a sure thing.

Preparation and support is essential for workers seeking to secure an H-1B visa. This means talking to your employer and staying updated on legislative changes and trends in policies.

You can also contact Yew Immigration Law Group to help you organize documentation, navigate the process and present your case to immigration officers, if necessary.

While there are no guarantees in the immigration process, these measures can help eliminate some unfortunate surprises.