US Visa Crackdown: Google and Apple have warned foreign employees to avoid traveling abroad due to strict US visa rules. Has increased scrutiny, long delays and new fees on H-1B visas raised concerns among tech workers?
US Visa Policy Tightened: There is an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty these days among foreign-born employees working in America. The reason is the strict immigration policies of the Trump administration. In view of this fear, tech giants Google and Apple are advising some of their employees to avoid traveling abroad. Companies clearly say that if employees go out of America, they may get stuck in returning due to strict scrutiny and lengthy visa process.
What warning have Google and Apple given to employees?
According to a Business Insider report, both companies have released internal memos. In these, especially the employees living in America on H-1B and other work visas have been alerted. The warning said that under the Trump administration, visa checks have become more strict than ever, due to which international travel can now be risky.
Why are visa appointments stuck at US embassies?
The visa appointment process at US embassies and consulates is now extremely slow. Under new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rules, travelers are required to submit their social media history for the last five years. This extra scrutiny is causing visa appointments to be delayed by months in many cases.
What advice have law firms given to employees?
Berry Appleman & Leiden, the law firm working with Google, has clearly told the employees that it is better to avoid international travel for the time being, because there is a risk of getting stuck outside America for a long time. Apple’s immigration law firm Fragomen has also warned that employees who do not have a valid H-1B visa stamp should not travel abroad.
Why did the new fees on H-1B visa raise concerns?
Earlier this year, the White House made a big announcement that companies will have to pay a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa. H-1B visas are usually for three years and for renewal, employees have to go to their home country and give an interview. But now this process can also drag on for months.
What happened to H-1B visa holders who went to India?
The appointments of hundreds of H-1B visa holders who had gone to India were suddenly postponed, The Washington Post reported. The US State Department says that this step has been taken to ensure national and public security.
Why are the jobs and legal status of foreign workers at risk?
The Alphabet Workers Union at Google has demanded stronger protections for H-1B workers. According to union leader Parul Kaul, if a worker loses his job, his visa sponsorship may also end, putting his legal status at risk. Stricter visa policies in America have increased the concerns of foreign workers. The warning from Google and Apple is an indication that the situation may become more challenging for H-1B visa holders in the coming times.