Thomas J. Donohue, chief executive officer (CEO) of the US Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday said that the suspension of H-1B and other work visas by President Donald Trump is "a severe and sweeping attempt to restrict legal immigration" and will hold the country back.

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Trump on Tuesday issued a presidential proclamation, temporarily blocking those entering the country on H-1B visas, L visas, H-2B seasonal worker visas and J visas. The proclamation comes into effect on June 24 and will expire on December 31.

"Today’s proclamation is a severe and sweeping attempt to restrict legal immigration. Putting up a ‘not welcome’ sign for engineers, executives, IT experts, doctors, nurses and other workers won’t help our country, it will hold us back," said Donohue.

While H-1B visas are for skilled employees, L visas are for intra-company transfer of manager-level employees and specialized workers. H-2B visas are for landscapers and others and J visas are for cultural exchange opportunities.

The White House announced that the Trump administration is working towards "a merit-based immigration system". The US government is working on reforming the H-1B visa program, the White House said, adding "Trump administration will also close loopholes to ensure Americans are not replaced by low-cost foreign labour."

Donohue added that restrictive changes to the US immigration system will push investment and economic activity abroad and lead to slow growth and reduce job creation.

“We are fighting for more investment and more growth in America because that means more jobs, and today that fight takes on a new level of urgency. We have long advocated for a rational immigration system that meets the needs of our economy and reflects the values of our country. Today’s proclamation serves neither of those interests," he added.