UPDATE: In a dramatic shift, Big Tech companies are urging their H-1B visa holders to remain in the United States or return immediately due to a new policy announced by Donald Trump. The policy, which imposes a staggering $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on September 21, 2023.
Companies like Amazon and Microsoft have communicated urgent advisories to their employees, warning about the potential risks of international travel under the new guidelines. Amazon has specifically instructed its H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the U.S. before the deadline, while Microsoft cautioned employees that the policy acts as a “travel restriction” that jeopardizes their work status if they leave the country.
The H-1B visa program is crucial for the tech industry, with firms like Amazon and Microsoft among the top employers of H-1B workers, according to data from Citizenship and Immigration Services. If enforced, this policy could cost Amazon upwards of $1 billion annually to retain its more than 10,000 H-1B employees.
The implications extend beyond tech. Over 30% of medical residents in the U.S. are international graduates, with thousands relying on H-1B visas. As the country grapples with a doctor shortage projected to reach 40,400 by 2036, this policy could exacerbate existing challenges in healthcare.
Foreign governments are also reacting swiftly. India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the humanitarian impact on families, while South Korea’s foreign ministry is assessing the effects on its workforce.
Latest reports indicate that the Trump administration is attempting to clarify aspects of the policy. Officials have stated that the $100,000 fee will not apply to current visa holders re-entering the U.S., aiming to alleviate some concerns. However, uncertainty remains about how the policy will affect future applicants and their travel plans.
As tensions rise, tech firms and foreign governments are on high alert, grappling with the potential fallout from this sweeping change. H-1B visa holders are left with urgent decisions to make, as the countdown to the policy’s enforcement continues.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.
