Apple and Google have issued warnings to their employees holding H-1B visas, advising against international travel due to extended delays in visa processing. These advisories come in light of recent policy adjustments from the Trump administration, which have raised concerns about potential difficulties in re-entering the U.S.
The guidance from these major tech companies, which together employ a significant number of highly skilled foreign workers, highlights the rising stakes under the current immigration climate. Companies are increasingly concerned that employees traveling abroad risk being stranded due to unpredictable visa appointment delays and enhanced vetting procedures, all of which threaten their work status and career progression.
Key Developments
- Apple and Google have advised H-1B visa holders to avoid international travel.
- New U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules have led to prolonged screening processes.
- Visa applicants might need to undergo a review of their social media history spanning five years, raising privacy concerns.
- Companies face a new $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application.
- Recent reports indicate hundreds of visa holders delayed in India due to postponed appointment schedules.
Full Report
Current Advisory from Tech Companies
Internal memos reviewed by NPR indicate that both Apple and Google are recommending their employees on H-1B visas to stay within the United States. Law firms collaborating with these companies, including Berry Appleman & Leiden and Fragomen, communicated that employees could face severe delays upon returning home if they travel internationally. The recent advisories reflect the companies’ recognition of the heightened risk posed by the evolving immigration landscape.
Concerns Over Visa Processing Delays
The ongoing delays at U.S. consulates and embassies are primarily attributed to new vetting rules, including a stringent examination of prospective applicants’ social media histories. A report from The Washington Post revealed that numerous applicants who traveled to India for visa renewals encountered significant postponements in their appointments, which have been justified by officials as necessary for national security and public safety evaluations.
Impact on H-1B Workers
Workers on H-1B visas, many of whom fill critical roles in the tech industry, now find themselves in a precarious situation. Should layoffs occur, losing employer sponsorship could endanger their legal status to remain in the U.S. Parul Koul, a Google software engineer and leader of the Alphabet Workers’ Union, emphasized the increasing urgency to support this vulnerable workforce amid the rising scrutiny surrounding immigration policies.
Context & Previous Events
This development is set against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive immigration policies, which have included the introduction of a hefty $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. This particular visa category is integral for tech companies seeking to attract skilled labor from abroad. Additionally, H-1B visas typically have a three-year duration, necessitating that applicants return to their home country for renewals, a routine process now fraught with risks of extended stays overseas.
