Several US tech companies are advising employees on visas to avoid leaving the country amid concerns they may not be allowed to return. A recent Washington Post report highlights that Indian tech workers, who form the largest group of H-1B holders, are already experiencing uncertainty under changing immigration policies.
The H1B work visa program in the US is essentially a lottery program designed to give skilled workers access to the country. It is utilized heavily by top tech companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft and Apple. Majority of the workers hired through this process make up a significant amount of the tech sector.
Fear Among H1B workers
Two Indian H-1B holders interviewed by the Washington Post shared their decision to cancel travel plans to India due to re-entry fears. One worker also voiced concerns over proposed changes to birthright citizenship, fearing a future child might lack clear nationality.
An immigration attorney representing H-1B holders noted that some workers feel they are assumed to be in the country illegally, adding to the stress. Practical difficulties have increased, with employees carrying documentation at all times and companies covering costs for expedited visa processing to minimize delays.
The Negative Impact On Workforce Of Tech In US
The US tech industry heavily relies on foreign talent. A majority of foreign nationals make up the tech sector in the US. Particularly Indian foreign nationals, HR agencies in silicon valley fear that such uncertainty towards visas and immigration policies severely affect work performances. Many outsourcing firms such as Infosys and Cognizant account for a significant share of H1-B applications, further signifying the imbalance of employee fear would create in the Tech industry.
