Tech Giants Warn H-1B Visa Holders: Stay in US Amid Trump's Visa Fee Changes

Amazon, Google, Microsoft Warn H-1B Employees to Stay in US Amid Visa Fee Changes In a move aimed at mitigating the impact of President Donald Trump's changes to H-1B visa applications, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have reportedly emailed their employees with H-1B visas advising them to remain in the United States. The White House announced on Friday that Trump had signed a proclamation requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. According to multiple media reports, the tech giants sent memos to their employees with H-1B visas instructing them to stay in the US and avoid foreign travel until further notice. Business Insider published emails from Amazon and Microsoft, while Sources obtained a similar memo from Google. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. The White House's new policy is set to take effect at 12:01am Eastern time on Sunday. The fee will only apply to new applicants, not existing H-1B holders or renewals, according to a government official speaking with Axios. Amazon employees have received the most H-1B visas so far this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services and Microsoft, according to government data. Meta and Apple rank fourth and fifth, respectively, while Google ranks sixth. The move is seen as an effort by the tech companies to minimize disruptions to their operations in light of the new visa requirements. "We are advising our employees with H-1B visas to stay in the US until further notice," said a spokesperson for Amazon, who wished to remain anonymous. Google's memo, obtained by Sources, states that employees with H-1B visas should "try to return" to the US if they are currently traveling abroad. Microsoft's email, published by Business Insider, advises employees with H-1B visas to "avoid foreign travel until further notice." The changes to H-1B visa applications have sparked concerns among tech companies and industry experts about the potential impact on their operations and workforce. The new policy is seen as a significant shift in the administration's approach to immigration and could lead to increased costs for employers. As the new policy takes effect, it remains to be seen how it will affect the tech industry and its reliance on H-1B visa holders. Industry experts predict that the changes could lead to increased scrutiny of H-1B applications and potentially more stringent requirements for employers. The White House's announcement has sparked a heated debate about immigration policies and their impact on the US economy. The changes are seen as part of a broader effort by the administration to restrict immigration and tighten regulations on foreign workers. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the tech industry will be closely watching the developments and adapting to any changes in the visa application process. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*