Major US tech companies, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft, have warned their foreign-national employees holding H-1B visas to avoid traveling outside the country due to the risk of being stranded abroad for months. The H-1B visa allows foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations in the US for up to three years, with extensions requiring visa stamping at US embassies or consulates abroad.
According to internal memos, these companies are advising visa-holding employees to postpone international travel due to significant delays in routine appointments at US embassies and consulates. The delays are attributed to a new social-media screening requirement affecting H-1B workers, their dependents, students, and exchange visitors. BAL Immigration Law, which represents Google, has warned that delays at some US embassies and consulates are currently reported to be up to 12 months, cautioning that employees who travel risk an extended stay outside the US.
Apple and Microsoft have also issued similar guidance, urging workers without valid H-1B visa stamps to postpone travel. A State Department spokesperson stated that US embassies and consulates are prioritizing thorough vetting of each visa case above all else. The warnings come amid President Donald Trump’s immigration clampdown, which has led to a hardline approach to border and visa enforcement aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
The H-1B visa program has become a critical issue in the US, with many tech companies relying on foreign talent to fill specialized positions. The current delays and screening requirements are causing concerns among visa holders and their employers, who fear that the restrictions could impact business operations and employee mobility. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US government will balance its immigration policies with the needs of the tech industry and other sectors that rely on foreign workers.
The US government’s decision to suspend asylum procedures and expand entry bans affecting nationals of 19 countries has also raised concerns among immigration advocates and human rights groups. The suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, has further fueled debates about the impact of immigration policies on communities and economies. As the debate continues, the fate of H-1B visa holders and other foreign nationals in the US remains uncertain, with many waiting to see how the current policies will be implemented and what changes may be made in the future.