Big Tech Tells H-1B Workers Not to Leave Country Due to Trump's New Policy
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, Big Tech companies are advising their H-1B workers not to leave the country due to President Trump's new policy imposing a 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. According to reports, Amazon and Microsoft have sent memos to their employees warning them that international travel could put their worker status at risk.
The policy, set to go into effect Sunday, has sparked confusion and panic among industries and governments worldwide. The Trump administration's move is aimed at reducing the number of foreign workers in specialty occupations in the United States. However, critics argue that it will have a devastating impact on the tech industry, which relies heavily on H-1B workers.
"We are advising our employees with an H-1B or H-4 visa to return from overseas before 12:01 a.m. ET on September 21," said an Amazon spokesperson. "This is not a travel ban, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure that our employees' worker status remains intact."
Microsoft also sent out a similar message, warning its employees that the Trump administration's policy is structured as a travel restriction and international travel could put their worker status at risk.
"This policy will have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry," said Dan Restrepo, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama on immigration. "It will not only affect H-1B workers but also their families who depend on them for financial support."
The H-1B visa program allows foreign laborers in specialty occupations to work in the United States. The policy change is expected to have a significant impact on the tech industry, which relies heavily on these workers.
"The Trump administration's move will not only harm the tech industry but also the US economy as a whole," said Rohit Prasad, CEO of HCL America, an IT services company that employs many H-1B workers. "We urge the administration to reconsider this policy and work towards finding a solution that benefits both the US and foreign workers."
The current status of the policy is uncertain, with many industries and governments waiting for further clarification from the Trump administration. As the policy goes into effect on Sunday, it remains to be seen how it will impact the tech industry and H-1B workers worldwide.
Background:
The H-1B visa program was established in 1990 to allow foreign laborers in specialty occupations to work in the United States. The program has been a subject of controversy over the years, with some arguing that it takes jobs away from American workers and others arguing that it is necessary for the US economy.
Additional Perspectives:
The policy change has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some calling for its repeal while others are urging the administration to proceed with caution. "This policy will have a devastating impact on the tech industry and the US economy," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "We urge the administration to reconsider this policy and work towards finding a solution that benefits both the US and foreign workers."
Next Developments:
As the policy goes into effect on Sunday, it remains to be seen how it will impact the tech industry and H-1B workers worldwide. The Trump administration has announced plans to provide more information on the policy in the coming days.
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*
