Apple and Google are advising certain employees on visas to refrain from international travel due to heightened scrutiny and delays in the visa renewal process under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Internal memos from both tech giants, obtained by NPR, indicate that changes mandated by the Department of Homeland Security have led to prolonged waits for visa appointments and an invasive social media screening requirement spanning up to five years.
Both companies, employing over 300,000 individuals and reliant on skilled foreign labor, have communicated the potential risks of being stranded outside the United States due to these policy changes. Berry Appleman & Leiden, a legal firm representing Google, emphasized the importance of avoiding overseas trips, cautioning that employees could face extended periods abroad without the ability to return. Meanwhile, Fragomen, the firm advising Apple, echoed similar sentiments, particularly urging employees who lack a valid H-1B visa stamp to avoid leaving the country unless absolutely necessary.
The memo’s dissemination highlights the broader implications of the Trump administration’s stringent immigration measures, which particularly affect the foreign workforce. Earlier in the year, new regulations imposed by the White House included a substantial fee for companies applying for H-1B visas, commonly utilized by tech firms seeking to retain overseas talent.
Reports have emerged indicating that H-1B visa holders attempting to renew their visas in countries such as India are experiencing canceled or postponed appointments. The State Department has cited a need for more time to vet applicants to ensure safety and security.
Within Google, the Alphabet Workers’ Union is actively promoting additional protections for H-1B visa holders, who face increased risks during times of layoffs as losing employer sponsorship could jeopardize their immigration status. The urgency for protective measures has intensified with the administration’s increasing scrutiny of visa programs, underscoring the precarious position of immigrant workers in the current climate.
This situation reveals the challenges faced by technology companies and their employees as they navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system amidst evolving policies. As Apple and Google adapt to these developments, their efforts to support their workforce may serve as a pivotal factor in retaining skilled talent essential for innovation and progress within the industry.