Over the weekend, thousands of H-1B visa holders across industries found themselves in an unexpected race against time after an executive order introduced sky-high fee hikes for new applicants. With a deadline set at 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday, tech professionals, doctors, and bank employees abroad scrambled to return to the US, triggered by urgent memos from giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Goldman Sachs.
Initially, confusion reigned as companies urged staff to abandon travel plans immediately. A White House official later clarified that existing H-1B holders and renewals are exempt, while medical professionals may avoid the proposed $100,000 fee. Yet the frantic pace underscored broader concerns about the policy’s impact on global talent mobility.
The policy aims to prioritize highly skilled workers, as stated by the President when signing the order, but reactions have been mixed. Netflix chairman Reed Hastings praised the move for streamlining the visa lottery, while the US Chamber of Commerce warned of fallout on employees, families, and employers.
On social media, H-1B holders shared personal tales of mid-flight turnarounds. User "Emily's Life in NY" recounted deboarding a New York to Paris flight just as it began taxiing, after convincing the captain to return to the gate. These viral posts painted a vivid picture of the human side of policy upheavals.
As the dust settles, companies and visa holders await further guidance. For now, the episode highlights how swiftly global professionals can be affected when immigration rules change overnight.
Reference(s):
New H-1B policy sparks chaos, forces holders to return to US overnight
cgtn.com
