Companies in Silicon Valley are urging their foreign employees not to leave the United States due to the tightening of immigration policies under Donald Trump's administration. The law firm Goeschl Law confirms growing anxiety among foreign workers. During Trump's first term, the number of rejections for H-1B visas significantly increased.
American authorities have started canceling visas and green cards for individuals who publicly supported organizations recognized as terrorist groups. Following the cancellation of automatic citizenship for those born on US soil, foreign tech workers are worried about their children’s future. Processing times for permanent residency applications from India are being extended.
As a result, technology companies are concerned about potential staff departures. Immigrants make up half of American unicorn founders. Leaders at IT giants Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia come from other countries.
Companies are trying to help their employees with support and immigration consultation services. In December, the previous US government introduced a new rule for the H-1B visa issuance program to increase its flexibility. The non-immigrant H-1B visa program allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge or a bachelor's degree or higher.