Weekend Visa Chaos: H-1B Holders Rush Home
Over the weekend, workers on H-1B visas got a wake-up call they didn't expect. President Donald Trump signed an executive order slapping sky-high new fees on visa applicants, leaving many abroad racing back to the US before a midnight deadline. 😰✈️
Tech companies and banks like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Goldman Sachs sent urgent memos advising staff to return by 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday and avoid international trips until the dust settles.
Amid the confusion, a White House official clarified that the order only applies to new applicants, not current visa holders or renewals. Even better, medical professionals may be exempt from the $100,000 fee.
The move aims to ensure only top-tier talent fills US roles, not just low-cost alternatives to American workers. But not everyone's on board: Netflix's Reed Hastings cheered the end of the H-1B lottery, while the US Chamber of Commerce warned of stress on employees, families, and businesses.
On Rednote, visa holders shared real-time panic stories. One post from Emily's Life in NY said: "My feelings are a mix of disappointment, sadness, and frustration." She described sprinting off a United Airlines flight to avoid being stuck in Paris.
¡Imagina having to cancel your travel plans in a split second! This episode shows how fast-changing policies can ripple across the global workforce. Stay tuned as we track updates on this unfolding story.
Reference(s):
New H-1B policy sparks chaos, forces holders to return to US overnight
cgtn.com
