Reference News Network, October 1 report - According to the website of the UK's Financial Times on September 29, some corporate executives and their consultants said that President Trump's "unpredictable" policy-making and measures to tighten immigration have prompted some multinational companies to consider moving employees out of the United States or shifting their businesses out of the world's largest economy.

New regulations on high-skilled labor visas were hastily introduced, and Trump's actions against his political opponents have once again raised concerns among corporate boards, which were initially triggered by Trump's fluctuating tariff policies this year.

Some business leaders also pointed out that the lack of clarity in executive orders has increased the risks of their U.S. operations. Some European company executives said they have withdrawn investments in the United States.

This concern comes as the Trump administration bets that its policies (including reducing regulation and setting trade barriers) will drive a surge in business investment and employment.

White House spokesperson Kush Das said: "These two goals can be achieved simultaneously. This administration can make the United States the most dynamic and business-friendly economy in the world, while also prioritizing the interests of American workers."

However, corporate advisors say that the government's tough stance on immigration is forcing companies to develop contingency plans and increasing the relative attractiveness of moving jobs to overseas locations.

Bruce McKinney, founder of McKinney Risk Consulting, said: "This administration is fundamentally anti-immigration. Companies are no longer fighting it or waiting for the other shoe to drop, but are starting to look for ways to build capacity elsewhere."

The Trump administration said on the 19th that the U.S. government will impose a $100,000 fee per year on H-1B visas, which are widely used by technology companies to bring in foreign engineers and other skilled workers.

Some companies had previously asked visa holders abroad to return to the U.S. immediately to avoid paying the fee, but the government eventually clarified that the fee applies only to future applications.

Lauren Mullen, an American immigration lawyer at Veritas, which provides visa issue consultation for companies and their employees, said that companies are now focusing on "cost analysis, whether to pay this fee or reassign talent, whether short-term or long-term."

She said: "Although there was no guarantee before, it was at least predictable; now it's full of uncertainty."

Although business leaders almost unanimously avoided publicly criticizing the Trump administration, many expressed harsh words in private.

From restricting the use of the painkiller acetaminophen without solid scientific evidence, to halting a wind farm project already under construction, executives from different industries cited multiple examples of policy reversals, saying these factors combined would reduce the appeal of the U.S. market.

An executive from a large European energy company said: "A year ago, we would have said the U.S. was a safe investment and were pleased to expand our business here. Our view has completely changed now."

Some energy companies have been hit by Trump's intervention and cancellation of a offshore wind project led by Danish Ørsted, and now they worry that the U.S. government might intervene again in other areas. The aforementioned executive said: "We will complete our current projects, but we will limit further investments."

Some automotive industry executives also said they feel anxious about over-relying on the U.S. market. A consultant from a Japanese automaker said: "The era of relying on the U.S. as a main pillar is over. We need to diversify into other markets." (Translated by Feng Xue)

On September 26, U.S. President Trump answered questions at the White House. (Photo by Hu Yousong)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7556157578175054399/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the 【top/down】 buttons below.