Tech Giants Warn H-1B Visa Holders: Abandon Foreign Travel Plans Amid Trump's New Rules

Tech Companies Warn H-1B Visa Holders to Avoid Foreign Travel Amid Trump Administration's New Rules In a swift response to the White House's recent announcement, major tech companies have cautioned their employees with H-1B visas against traveling abroad. The move comes as President Donald Trump's administration introduced a 100,000 application fee for new visa applicants, sparking concerns among workers and employers alike. According to reports, Microsoft Corp., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., and other prominent tech firms sent urgent messages to their affected employees, advising them to return to the United States by Saturday and cancel any planned international trips. The White House's clarification on Saturday stated that the new fee only applies to new visa applications, not renewals or current holders. "We understand that this sudden change may cause inconvenience for our employees," said a spokesperson for Microsoft Corp. "We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that our workers can continue their work without any disruptions." The H-1B visa program has been a crucial source of skilled labor for the tech industry, allowing companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as engineering and computer science. The new rules have raised concerns among employers, who fear that the increased application fee will deter qualified candidates from applying. "This is a classic example of how government policies can impact businesses and individuals," said Vivek Wadhwa, a fellow at the Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Technology Policy and Innovation. "The tech industry relies heavily on foreign talent to drive innovation and growth. Any policy that hinders this flow will have far-reaching consequences." Background on the H-1B visa program shows that it has been a contentious issue in recent years, with critics arguing that it favors large corporations over smaller businesses and perpetuates wage suppression. However, proponents argue that the program is essential for filling labor gaps in key sectors. The current status of the situation remains fluid, with the White House's clarification on Saturday providing some relief to affected employees. As the tech industry continues to navigate this complex issue, one thing is clear: the new rules have sparked a heated debate about the future of immigration policies and their impact on the global economy. In related news, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the new rules, stating that they "may inadvertently harm American businesses and workers." The organization is urging policymakers to reconsider the application fee and its implications for the H-1B visa program. As the situation unfolds, one thing remains certain: the tech industry will continue to be at the forefront of this debate, with far-reaching consequences for both domestic and international stakeholders. *Reporting by Fortune.*