In a significant development concerning U.S.-based employees holding visas, tech giants Apple and Google have issued warnings about international travel. Internal memos obtained by NPR reveal that these companies are advising employees to remain within the United States to avoid complications arising from recent changes in immigration policies under the Trump administration. These changes have led to heightened scrutiny of visa applicants and potential travel disruptions.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented new regulations that require comprehensive reviews of travelers' social media history extending up to five years. This move has drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who view it as an invasion of privacy. Moreover, U.S. consulates and embassies are experiencing significant delays, with some visa appointments postponed for months. This situation has prompted both Apple and Google to recommend that employees minimize foreign travel whenever possible.
Legal firms representing both tech companies have echoed the advisory sentiment. Berry Appleman & Leiden, a law firm collaborating with Google, emphasized the risks of international travel, stating, "We recommend avoiding international travel at this time as you risk an extended stay outside of the U.S." Similarly, Fragomen, which works with Apple, stated, "Given the recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S., we strongly recommend that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel for now." Employees who cannot postpone their travel are urged to consult with their company's immigration departments in advance.
This situation underscores the broader implications of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which have notably impacted the foreign-born workforce in the U.S. Earlier this year, the White House announced a new $100,000 fee for all new H-1B visas, a visa category favored by tech companies seeking to hire highly skilled international workers. Typically, H-1B visas are valid for three years, requiring applicants to return to their home country for renewal. However, due to the new policies, routine trips for renewals may result in prolonged delays and uncertainties for visa holders.
Recent reports indicate that many visa holders, particularly those traveling to India for H-1B renewals, have faced postponed appointments. The State Department has cited the need for additional time to ensure that visa applicants do not pose any threats to U.S. national security or public safety. This situation has raised concerns among employees, especially those within the tech sector.
At Google, the Alphabet Workers' Union has been advocating for enhanced protections for employees on H-1B visas. These workers, who are particularly vulnerable during layoffs, risk losing their legal status if employer sponsorship is withdrawn. Parul Koul, a software engineer at Google and leader of the union, has highlighted the precarious position of these employees, calling for increased support and protections.
As the situation unfolds, both Apple and Google continue to navigate the challenges posed by new immigration policies, emphasizing the importance of employee safety and legal compliance in a rapidly changing landscape.