[Edward64]

Trump had this freeze last Apr and a good move overall. Don't think the timing to lift it now is optimal but can understand the optics and pressure for Biden to do so. A better time is after we get the pandemic under control but assume this freeze lift doesn't mean that there will be a immediate flood but some "transition" time of 2-3+ months before resources actually get here (e.g. after most everyone here had their inoculations).

Biden Reopens Green Card, Work Visa System, Dumping Trump COVID Ban : NPR

President Biden on Wednesday revoked a freeze that his predecessor had put on many types of visas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the order did not advance U.S. interests and hurt industries and individuals alike.

"It harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here," Biden said in a proclamation revoking the measure.

Former President Donald Trump had frozen "green cards" for new immigrants, and halted temporary work visas for skilled workers, managers and au pairs in the H-1B, H-4, H-2B, L-1 and J categories, to protect jobs. He argued that the dramatic clamp down on legal immigration was vital to safeguarding the U.S. labor market during pandemic.

But on Wednesday Biden said the earlier policy has prevented qualified and eligible non-U.S. residents from entering the country, "resulting, in some cases, in the delay and possible forfeiture of their opportunity ... and to realize their dreams in the United States."