Leading tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have cautioned their H-1B visa employees about potential challenges due to the Trump administration’s evolving immigration policies.
Indian tech professionals, who form the largest group of H-1B visa holders in the U.S., are particularly affected.
According to The Washington Post, major IT firms have advised employees to avoid international travel, fearing they may face difficulties re-entering the U.S.
The H-1B program, which allots 65,000 visas annually through a lottery system, is crucial to the U.S. tech industry, which heavily relies on foreign talent, especially from India.
Other major recipients include Chinese and Canadian professionals. Top employers include Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple.
Concerns Among Indian H-1B Visa Holders
Some Indian H-1B holders have already canceled trips to India, fearing re-entry restrictions.
One employee expressed concerns over potential changes to birthright citizenship laws, worrying that future children might be left stateless.
Another noted the growing assumption that non-citizens might be residing in the U.S. illegally, leading to increased scrutiny.
Uncertainty surrounding Trump’s stricter visa policies has added stress for many visa holders. Some report being advised to carry identification at all times when in public.
To mitigate processing delays, Silicon Valley companies are even covering costs for expedited visa extensions.
While Trump has recently voiced support for the H-1B program, Indian tech workers remain apprehensive about the broader impact of his administration’s immigration stance.
