WASHINGTON (TIP) The Trump administration on Wednesday, October 21 announced a rule that will likely curb US companies’ use of skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech industry, which officials said was necessary to protect American jobs amid mass unemployment triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

The joint rule from the US Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security will significantly increase the minimum wages companies must pay to workers enrolled in the H-1B visa program. It also will narrow the definition of “specialty occupations” eligible for H-1B visas.

The rule, which takes effect in early December, will likely face criticism from trade groups such as the US Chamber of Commerce, who say the H-1B program is necessary because of a shortage of skilled American workers.

More than two-thirds of H-1B visa holders come from India, and they are disproportionately employed by tech firms, according to government statistics.