Apple and Google have advised employees on US visas to avoid travelling outside the country. The warning comes amid President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on immigration. The companies fear that workers may face long delays or get stuck abroad if they leave the US.
According to NPR, both tech giants raised concerns in internal memos. They pointed to the Trump administration’s tougher approach to visa approvals and renewals.
Visa delays grow after new screening rules
US consulates worldwide have reported long delays in visa appointments. In some cases, applicants have waited for months. The delays followed new rules from the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the updated process, visa applicants must undergo screening of up to five years of social media history. Officials say the checks aim to improve security, but companies say they have created uncertainty for workers.
Companies urge employees to stay in the US
Apple and Google together employ more than 300,000 visa holders. Both companies have urged staff to remain in the US if travel is not essential.
“We recommend avoiding international travel at this time as you risk an extended stay outside of the US,” Berry Appleman & Leiden, a law firm that works with Google, told employees in a memo obtained by NPR.
Fragomen, the law firm that advises Apple, sent a similar message. “Given the recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S., we strongly recommend that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel for now,” the memo said.
“If travel cannot be postponed, employees should connect with Apple Immigration and Fragomen in advance to discuss the risks,” it added.
Tech sector feels impact of tougher visa rules
The memos show how Trump’s immigration policies are forcing tech firms to act cautiously. Earlier this year, the White House announced a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa. The visa is widely used by technology companies to hire skilled foreign workers.
H-1B visas usually last three years. Holders must travel to their home country to renew them at a US embassy or consulate. Under the new rules, such routine trips could leave workers stuck abroad for months.
Renewals delayed for workers travelling to India
The warnings surfaced days after The Washington Post reported fresh delays. Hundreds of visa holders who travelled to India for H-1B renewals had their appointments postponed by the US State Department.
American officials said they needed more time to confirm that applicants do not “pose a threat to US national security or public safety.”
Workers’ union seeks protections
Amid the uncertainty, the Alphabet Workers’ Union has stepped in. The group has called for stronger protections for employees on H-1B visas.
The union warned that visa holders would face higher risks if Google proceeds with layoffs. They said immigration status makes these workers more vulnerable during periods of job cuts.