Tech Giants 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 emailed their employees with H-1B visas, advising them to remain in the United States and avoid foreign travel for now.
According to multiple media reports, including Business Insider and Sources, the tech giants sent memos to their employees warning them of the potential consequences of traveling abroad due to the new visa fee structure. The White House announced on Friday that Trump had signed a proclamation requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications.
The memo from Amazon, obtained by Business Insider, stated: "Please note that if you are currently outside the US and have an H-1B visa, we recommend that you try to return to the US before the new regulations take effect at 12:01am Eastern on Sunday." A similar memo was sent by Microsoft, while Google also reportedly warned its employees with H-1B visas to stay in the United States.
The move comes as the tech industry grapples with the implications of Trump's changes to the H-1B visa program. 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 tech giants' warnings suggest that they are taking a more cautious approach, advising their employees to err on the side of caution.
The changes to the H-1B visa program have sparked concerns among tech companies and industry experts, who argue that the increased fees will make it more difficult for them to attract top talent from around the world. "This is a classic example of how government policies can have unintended consequences," said Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal. "The tech industry relies heavily on foreign-born talent, and these changes could have far-reaching implications for our ability to innovate and compete globally."
As the new regulations take effect, it remains to be seen how they will impact the tech industry and its reliance on H-1B visa holders. One thing is certain, however: the tech giants are taking steps to protect their employees and mitigate the potential consequences of these changes.
Background
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for temporary employment in specialty occupations, such as software engineering or data science. The program has been a subject of controversy in recent years, with some arguing that it displaces American workers and others arguing that it is necessary to fill labor gaps in the tech industry.
Current Status
The new regulations take effect at 12:01am Eastern on Sunday, and it remains to be seen how they will impact the tech industry. TechCrunch has reached out to Amazon, Google, and Microsoft for comment, but so far, only a spokesperson from Microsoft has declined to comment.
Next Developments
As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that we will see more developments in the coming days and weeks. TechCrunch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
