UPDATE: H-1B visa holders are facing immediate uncertainty regarding international travel as major tech companies issue urgent warnings. Immigration lawyer Tahmina Watson reports that disruptions are causing delays for employees outside the US, threatening their ability to return.
Recent communications from Google, Apple, and Microsoft highlight the escalating challenges, advising employees to avoid international travel due to severe delays at US consulates. Appointments for visa processing are being rescheduled to as late as August 2026, leaving many workers stranded abroad.
Watson, who operates Watson Immigration Law in Seattle, emphasizes that employees with a valid H-1B visa stamp should return to the US as soon as possible. However, those who have left to obtain new visa stamps face a murky path back, including F-1 visa holders who may not be able to re-enter the country after visiting family.
Employers are advised to ensure that employees’ jobs remain secure while considering remote work options. Watson warns, “If an employer decides they cannot keep someone on the books, even an appointment months from now will not help if there’s no job waiting.” This precarious situation is creating heightened anxiety among immigrant communities.
The Department of Homeland Security has introduced new policies impacting H-1B visa processing, including a shift from the lottery system to prioritizing higher-paid, skilled workers. Additionally, social media disclosure rules are expanding to H-1B workers, requiring visa applicants to make their social media accounts public, which adds another layer of complexity and uncertainty.
“We are witnessing a fire hose of policies,” Watson said. “Everyone in the immigrant ecosystem is on high alert.”
As 2024 approaches, the landscape for H-1B visa holders remains shaky. Many immigrants who have lived in the US for years are now confronting potential deportation due to past criminal convictions, further complicating the already tense immigration environment.
The current situation underscores the critical need for visa holders to limit travel and stay informed about their employment status and visa requirements. With ongoing changes in immigration policy, the ripple effects could impact families and the US economy significantly.
For those affected, staying connected with immigration resources and legal advice is more crucial than ever. As this situation develops, updates will continue to emerge, affecting countless lives and careers. Stay tuned for further updates on these urgent immigration issues.
