For UK recruiters, moving to the US is attractive. With the expectation of working in a less-saturated market with a wider talent pool and higher salaries that lead to higher fees, it’s not hard to see why.

But as the US approaches another major electoral crossroads, Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency casts a long shadow across immigration policy. For UK recruiters, this looming uncertainty is a precursor to tightening work visa channels and a glaring sign that, if you are thinking of moving stateside, don’t wait.

To understand why moving sooner rather than later makes sense, one needs to look at the contrasting immigration policies. Trump’s prospective immigration clampdown promises a stark contrast to the current Biden administration’s more open policies, suggesting a narrowing window of opportunity for those seeking to tap into the American job market.

Biden’s Era of Immigration
Under President Biden, a concerted effort has been to steer the U.S. towards a more ‘humane’ immigration policy . But despite Biden’s compassionate promises, some echoes of Trump’s stringent policies have been adopted out of necessity of late, but there is no expectation that a second term would see an era of rigorous Trumpian immigration policies.

Trump’s Immigration Blueprint
Trump’s immigration policies are poised to redefine the U.S. as a significantly less accessible destination for international professionals, including those from the executive search industry. His administration’s hard-line stance on both legal and illegal immigration would significantly narrow the pathways for UK recruiters to enter and establish themselves in the US market.

Trump’s second tenure could see the expansion of first-term measures, including the revival of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy – a scenario which would see renewed focus on completing Trump’s flagship Border wall. And the immigration crackdown doesn’t end there. There are plans to end the ‘Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,’ impose severe limits on birth right citizenship (enshrined in the 14th amendment to the US constitution), implement travel bans to countries with certain ideologies , and expedite the deportation process . Most drastically, Trump wants to reduce refugee caps from over one hundred thousand to fifteen thousand . This complex of policies, aimed at deterring illegal immigration, could indirectly affect the flow of legal migrants, tighten the visa process, and impose more rigorous ideological screening on applicants. These actions resonate with Trump’s mantras, but present potential barriers for those seeking to work in the U.S.

Seizing the moment
The stark divergence between the Biden administration’s more welcoming approach and Trump’s restrictive vision highlights the need for UK recruiters who are considering a U.S. transition to turn thought into action. As Trump’s second-term policies could potentially lead to an abrupt halt in visa processing. Our message to UK-based recruiters wanting to make a move is clear: with US opportunities now abundant and the future uncertain, act now.

Dryden Search supports several executive search firms with offices in North America. If you are interested in a move or would like to have a conversation about relocation, please reach out to ed@drydensearch.com

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[1] BBC News (2024)
[2] Vox Politics (2024)
[3] Vox Politics (2024)
[4] Reuters (2024)
[5] New York times (2024)
[1] CFR (2024)