In a dramatic escalation of U.S. immigration policy, large technology companies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have reportedly instructed employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the United States and avoid international travel. The move comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s proclamation requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, announced Friday by the White House.
Tech Giants Respond Swiftly to New H-1B Proclamation
According to multiple media reports, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft quickly alerted their H-1B employees after the proclamation was signed. Business Insider obtained memos from Amazon and Microsoft, while other sources published similar communications from Google. These memos urged workers on H-1B visas to remain in the U.S. and refrain from foreign travel until the situation becomes clearer.
For employees already traveling outside the country, the companies reportedly advised them to return to the U.S. before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, when the proclamation officially takes effect. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment publicly, while Amazon and Google have not yet issued formal statements.
Who Uses the Most H-1B Visas?
Government data shows that Amazon has been the largest recipient of H-1B visas so far this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Microsoft, Meta, and Apple follow closely, while Google ranks sixth. The scale of their reliance on skilled foreign workers highlights why these companies are moving rapidly to shield employees from potential immigration complications.
White House Clarification on Existing Visa Holders
While the announcement has caused significant concern among the tech workforce, the White House attempted to provide clarification. An official told Axios that the $100,000 fee applies only to new applicants, not to existing H-1B holders or visa renewals.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further stated on X (formerly Twitter): “H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation.”
This clarification aims to reassure current visa holders, though uncertainty remains within the tech community, especially for those considering international travel.
Impact on the Tech Industry and Workforce
The H-1B program has long been a cornerstone for American tech companies, allowing them to employ highly skilled workers from countries like India and China. Imposing a $100,000 application fee represents a seismic shift in costs for employers and could force companies to rethink hiring strategies, potentially shifting more work offshore.
For employees, the immediate concern is mobility and job security. With companies warning staff against international travel, many families face disruption to personal plans and uncertainty about their long-term prospects in the U.S.
While the White House insists the new rule targets only new applications, the fear of misinterpretation or sudden enforcement changes is prompting companies to adopt a better-safe-than-sorry approach. The tech industry, which heavily relies on H-1B workers to fill critical roles, is likely to push back strongly against the policy, arguing that it will hurt innovation and competitiveness in the global market.
For now, H-1B workers are being urged to stay put, avoid unnecessary risks, and await further clarification as the proclamation takes effect. The coming weeks will determine whether the $100,000 fee becomes a long-term barrier to skilled immigration or faces legal and political challenges from industry leaders.
