Silicon Valley Tech Firms Urge Foreign Workers to Stay Amid Stricter Immigration Policies

Silicon Valley companies are urging their international employees to stay in the U.S. for fear of not being allowed back in. This reaction has arisen in response to the tightening of immigration policies under the new Donald Trump administration.

Local attorneys have offered similar advice to foreign professionals, warning that during Trump’s first term, there was a significant increase in the number of H-1B visa denials for highly skilled workers.

Goeschl Law, a legal firm specializing in labor immigration and serving IT companies, has noted a rise in «anxiety and panic» as the government «tightens the screws,» leaving many uncertain about what to expect.

Following Trump’s cancellation of automatic citizenship for those born in the U.S., immigrant tech workers are concerned that their future children might not receive U.S. citizenship.

Additionally, U.S. authorities have begun revoking visas and green cards from individuals who have publicly supported groups designated as terrorist organizations.

As a result, technology firms that heavily rely on foreign talent are worried that the loss of these employees could undermine their competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.

Notably, immigrants make up half of the founders of American «unicorns,» with individuals from other countries leading major IT giants like Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

According to lawyers, authorities have become stricter regarding H-1B visa applications. Foreign tech workers are advised to ensure their documentation is up to date, be cautious about social media posts, and seek assistance when needed. The processing times for permanent residency applications have also been extended, particularly for applicants from India.

As a consequence, HR departments are struggling to support employees whose morale and productivity are declining. Companies are attempting to expedite the review of re-visa applications and provide consulting assistance, but this necessitates additional resources.

In December, the previous U.S. administration introduced a new rule aimed at increasing flexibility within the H-1B visa program. This non-immigrant visa program has allowed U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for roles that require specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field.