Tech Giants Warn H-1B Workers to Remain in the US
▼ Summary
– President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, prompting tech companies to advise affected employees to stay in the U.S.
– Amazon, Google, and Microsoft instructed H-1B visa holders to avoid foreign travel and attempt to return before the proclamation takes effect early Sunday Eastern time.
– Amazon has received the most H-1B visas this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, with Google in sixth place.
– A White House official clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants and does not affect existing H-1B visa holders or renewals.
– White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the proclamation does not impact H-1B holders’ ability to leave and re-enter the country as usual.
Major technology corporations are advising their H-1B visa-holding employees to remain within the United States following a new presidential proclamation that introduces significant changes to visa application procedures. The directive, signed on Friday, imposes a $100,100 fee for new H-1B visa applications, prompting swift internal communications from industry leaders including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
These companies have reportedly issued urgent guidance instructing staff with H-1B status to avoid international travel and remain stateside. Employees already abroad were advised to return before the proclamation’s enforcement, scheduled for 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Sunday. Internal memos from Amazon and Microsoft were publicly reported, with Google issuing similar instructions through internal channels.
A Microsoft representative declined to provide additional commentary on the matter. Requests for comment were also extended to Amazon and Google.
Current government data reveals that Amazon holds the highest number of H-1B visas issued this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple. Google ranks sixth in total visa approvals.
Clarification from the White House indicates that the new fee structure applies exclusively to first-time applicants, not current visa holders or those seeking renewals. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized via social media that existing visa holders retain their normal ability to travel internationally and re-enter the country, stating that the proclamation does not alter these privileges.
(Source: TechCrunch)
