Amazon, Google, Microsoft reportedly warn H-1B employees to stay in the US

In a significant response to recent changes in H-1B visa regulations by the Trump administration, major tech companies are advising their employees with these visas to remain in the United States. Reports indicate that Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have communicated directly with their H-1B visa holders, urging them to avoid international travel for the time being. The White House announced a new proclamation requiring employers to pay a hefty $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, a move that has raised concerns among affected workers. Following this announcement, the tech giants sent emails instructing employees currently abroad to return to the U.S. before the new regulations take effect at 12:01 AM Eastern time on Sunday. Business Insider has shared details from internal memos released by Amazon and Microsoft, while similar information from Google was reported by Sources. As of now, TechCrunch has reached out to the companies for further comments regarding the situation. According to government statistics, Amazon has been the leading recipient of H-1B visas this fiscal year, closely followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, with Google coming in sixth. Additionally, a White House representative clarified to Axios that the new fee will only affect fresh applicants and will not impact current H-1B holders or their renewals.