Dive Brief:
- According to a research report from Envoy (as mentioned on Business Wire), 55% of American employers expect to increase the number of hires of foreign nationals (including those who will work in the US), based on the recently released Second Annual Envoy Immigration Trends 2017 Survey. This 21% increase over last year comes despite current immigration hurdles. *
- Sixty-three percent of the employers said recruiting foreign nationals is, "extremely or very important to" talent acquisition. Yet, 83% of employers in the nation indicate that the U.S. immigration system has impacted hiring and retention over the last year; a problem that is increasing.
- Many employers want the H-1B visa cap to be lifted. The survey of 440 U.S. employers indicates a strong need for a continued global workforce.
Dive Insight:
It is business as usual for American companies in terms of their drive towards globalization. Even while the president tries to make it more difficult to hire foreign nationals, the businesses that rely on hiring overseas have ramped up efforts.
It will be interesting to see what happens later this year if regulations make this a more difficult and expensive choice. The current administration has said it wants to reform the H-1B visa program. Any reform is likely to directly impact recruitment strategies and put a focus on how can employers can select the right candidates from other countries.
* Editor's correction: Please note that Envoy conducted the research survey. 55% of US employers are planning to hire foreign nationals, not necessarily hiring people to work overseas but many that will be moving to the US to work as well.
