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 H-1B program grants approximately 65,000 visas each year through a lottery system. Indian professionals receive the highest number of approvals, followed by Chinese and Canadian nationals. Major companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, heavily rely on this visa program to hire skilled workers.
Rising Fears Among H-1B 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.
Impact on Tech Industry and Employee Performance
The US tech industry depends on foreign talent, particularly Indian professionals. IT outsourcing firms like Infosys and Cognizant account for a significant share of H-1B applications. A Silicon Valley HR executive noted that the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies is affecting employee performance, with many workers fearing sudden policy shifts.
During Trump’s first term, denial rates for skilled work visas rose to 15 percent. Immigration attorneys caution that a similar trend may emerge again, leading companies to take preemptive measures.
Green Card Process Faces More Delays
For Indian tech professionals, securing permanent residency remains a major hurdle. Due to per-country Green Card limits, many face waiting periods spanning decades. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI startup Perplexity, recently highlighted on social media that despite leading a billion-dollar company, he has been waiting three years for a Green Card.
Though Trump has occasionally spoken favorably about skilled immigration, broader policy shifts continue to generate anxiety. With potential restrictions looming, H-1B workers and their employers remain in a state of caution and concern.
