As President Donald Trump’s modifications to the H-1B visa program approach, Amazon and Microsoft have taken action to advise their employees. Both companies have communicated internally, urging their foreign employees with H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the United States before a specific deadline.
Amazon’s internal communication instructed H-1B visa holders currently in the US to remain in the country and advised those outside the US to return before the September 21 deadline at 12:00 AM EDT. The company stated, “If you have H-1B status and are in the US, stay in the country for now.” Furthermore, Amazon recommended that all H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US before the deadline.
Microsoft also issued an internal email with similar guidance. The email advised that H-1B and H-4 visa holders should remain in the US for the foreseeable future. It strongly recommended they return before the deadline, stating, “H-1B visa holders should stay in the US for the foreseeable future.” The email further recommended that H-4 visa holders remain in the US and strongly advised all H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return by the deadline.
These directives are a response to President Trump’s new presidential proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” This proclamation includes a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, which will take effect on September 21. The aim of the administration is to combat perceived abuses of the H-1B program, especially by IT outsourcing firms accused of displacing American workers and driving down wages.
The proclamation argues that the original intent of the H-1B program, to attract highly skilled foreign talent, has been distorted. The administration claims that low-wage, entry-level H-1B hires have harmed American graduates and also highlighted national security concerns, pointing to investigations into visa fraud and money laundering by companies heavily reliant on the program. The new order requires employers to provide proof of payment when filing H-1B petitions, with enforcement by the US Departments of State and Homeland Security. Limited exemptions are available for cases considered to be in the national interest.