Amazon, Google, Microsoft Warn H-1B Employees to Stay in US Amid Visa Fee Increase
In a move aimed at mitigating the impact of President Donald Trump's recent changes to H-1B visa applications, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have reportedly instructed employees with those visas to remain in the United States. The tech giants' decision comes after the White House announced 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, including Business Insider and Sources, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft sent emails to their employees with H-1B visas advising them to stay in the US and avoid foreign travel until further notice. The memos also instructed those already traveling abroad to attempt to return before the proclamation takes effect at 12:01am Eastern on Sunday.
"We are aware of the recent changes to H-1B visa applications and are taking steps to support our employees affected by these changes," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement, declining to comment further. TechCrunch has reached out to Amazon and Google for comment but had not received a response at press time.
The White House's move is expected to significantly impact the tech industry, which relies heavily on H-1B visas to bring in foreign workers with specialized skills. According to government data, Amazon employees have received the most H-1B visas so far this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, then Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, with Google ranked sixth.
A White House official told Axios that the fee will only apply to new applicants, not existing H-1B holders or renewals. However, the increased cost is likely to deter some employers from applying for H-1B visas, potentially disrupting the supply chain of skilled workers in the tech industry.
The changes to H-1B visa applications are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict immigration and prioritize American workers. The move has been met with criticism from the tech industry, which argues that it will lead to a shortage of skilled workers and hinder innovation.
As the proclamation takes effect on Sunday, employees with H-1B visas will need to navigate the complex new landscape. "This is a significant change for our employees and we are working closely with them to understand their options," said an Amazon spokesperson.
The impact of the changes on the tech industry remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the increased fee will have far-reaching consequences for employers and employees alike. As the situation continues to unfold, TechCrunch will provide updates and analysis on the implications of these changes for the tech industry.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
