Tech workers in the U.S. on H-1B visas are being advised not to travel abroad due to rising uncertainty around immigration policies under Donald Trump’s administration. Major tech companies including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have warned employees that re-entry into the U.S. may not be guaranteed if immigration rules suddenly change.
Many large IT firms are urging foreign employees—particularly H-1B visa holders—to avoid international trips. The concern stems from possible policy changes that could make it difficult for non-citizens to re-enter the country. The H-1B visa is a key part of the U.S. tech industry, with 65,000 visas issued annually through a lottery system. Indian professionals make up the majority, followed by workers from China and Canada.
Some Indian workers have already canceled planned travel, fearing they might not be allowed back into the United States. There’s also growing concern about proposals to limit birthright citizenship, which could affect the legal status of children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. H-1B holders say they now carry immigration documents with them at all times, just to be safe.
To minimize risk, some companies are paying extra for faster visa processing. While Trump has previously shown support for the H-1B program, recent actions and rhetoric have left many workers uneasy. Opinions vary even among his supporters—some push for more skilled immigration, while others emphasize training U.S. workers.
At the same time, delays in obtaining permanent residency are causing further anxiety. Entrepreneurs and tech leaders—even those making significant contributions to the U.S.—are facing major hurdles in securing Green Cards.
