Tech companies are telling immigrant employees on visas not to leave the U.S.

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Tech companies across the U.S. are advising immigrant employees on visas not to leave the country, amid rising visa denials and political uncertainty under the Trump administration
• Concerns include heightened scrutiny of H1B visa holders, fears of statelessness for U.S.-born children, and unpredictability around immigration enforcement
• The crackdown is creating widespread anxiety among foreign workers who have long powered Silicon Valley

🔭 The context: H1B visas are a critical pathway for high-skilled foreign workers in tech, with Big Tech firms like Amazon, Google and Meta employing thousands under the programme
• During Trump’s first term, visa denial rates rose significantly, and the same pattern appears to be re-emerging
• Immigration lawyers are ramping up support, offering urgent guidance as policy changes accelerate without clear notice

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Immigration restrictions could throttle the U.S. tech industry’s global competitiveness, including its leadership in climate tech, AI, and clean energy innovation
• Limiting the movement of top global talent may hinder progress on scalable ESG solutions
• Countries leading in green tech development often rely on diverse, international workforces

⏭️ What's next: Workers are cancelling travel plans, and firms are paying for expedited visa processing to manage disruptions
• Experts expect further visa-related policy shifts, with a potential chilling effect on international student recruitment and talent retention
• Tech companies are preparing contingency plans while pressing for clearer immigration policies

💬 One quote: “It’s causing a fair amount of panic. Even for people who have lived here for most of their lives, it’s disabling and inhibiting their ability to function.” — Malcolm Goeschl, Immigration Attorney, San Francisco

📈 One stat: Amazon had the highest number of approved H1B visas among Big Tech firms, followed by Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple in FY2024

See here detailed sustainability performance of companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Infosys, and Cognizant

Click for more news covering the latest on social responsibility