U.S. Immigration Changes

[Anchor Lead]

Following an executive order issued by the Trump administration restricting travel for citizens of seven majority Muslim countries, the Trump administration is also moving to put restrictions on the issuance of other visa types including employment visas. Korean communities in the U.S. are feeling the jitters with the incoming changes.

[Pkg]

Mr. Kim has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years as an illegal alien. After many ups and downs, his family was finally able to apply for permanent residency, but he's nervous that this may be reversed at any time.

[Soundbite] "With no guarantees for the future, we feel insecure about how things will change in our lives."

People with unstable resident status seek to obtain permanent residency as quickly as possible, but the U.S. immigration service is increasingly tightening its standards.

[Soundbite] Lee Hee-yeong(Permanent Residency Applicant) : "I'm nervous about wait for a prolonged time without knowing the exact problem."

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration is also reviewing an executive order to step up evaluations on issuing employment visas to foreigners as a measure aimed at protecting jobs for Americans. This will affect not only new employment, but visa renewals for people already working in the U.S. as well.

[Soundbite] Song Joo-yeon(U.S. Attorney) : "The plan is to drastically reduce the issuance of work visas. This can present difficulties for Korean students landing jobs and Korean firms hiring workers."

The practice of so-called maternity trips for anchor babies when a mother gives birth in the U.S. to acquire citizenship for their child is also expected to be affected. Concern is spreading in Korean communities throughout the U.S. over how much stronger the Trump government's anti-immigration policies will become.