Think Twice: The Consequences of Leaving the US

In response to the recent changes in visa policies affecting tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, employees are being advised to avoid international travel if they require a visa stamp to re-enter the United States. This recommendation comes as a result of new delays in the visa process that could potentially extend up to a year. The delays are a result of a revised H-1B re-entry process that now includes mandatory “online presence reviews” conducted by overseas embassies and consulates. These reviews involve an audit of five years of social media history, with a specific focus on public profiles and any potential red flags such as “anti-American” views.

The Trump administration’s efforts to limit immigration have also impacted visa holders, with the introduction of a $100,000 filing fee for new H-1B visas. Despite protests from tech firms like Apple, compliance with these new rules is necessary to protect their talent base. Apple’s law firm, Fragomen, has advised visa holders not to travel internationally due to the unpredictable delays in visa processing.

Microsoft has also issued warnings to its visa-holding employees, urging them to reconsider travel plans and emphasizing the limitations on their ability to work for their US roles during extended delays. The State Department has stated that thorough vetting of visa cases is now a priority for embassies and consulates worldwide.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, known for his diplomatic approach to dealing with the Trump administration, has openly criticized the President’s immigration policies in the past. Similarly, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai has condemned the executive order, highlighting the contributions of immigrants to America’s economic success and the tech industry.

The stricter visa policies and digital audits signify a significant shift in the talent pipeline for tech companies, replacing the once-promoted “American Dream” with a more urgent directive for global talent to remain in the country to keep their jobs. The impact of these changes is felt not only by H-1B visa holders but also by their families and other visa categories, creating a challenging environment for tech firms and their employees. Transform the following sentence into a question:

“He is going to the store.”

Is he going to the store?