Meta, Microsoft Urge H-1B Visa Holders to Stay in US Amid Trump Crackdown

Employees Abroad Told to Return Within 24 Hours to Avoid Re-Entry Denial

Following President Trump’s fresh crackdown on immigration, tech giants Meta and Microsoft have urgently advised all H-1B visa holders to:

• Avoid leaving the US for at least 14 days
• Return to the US within 24 hours if currently abroad

These internal advisories came just a day after the Trump administration raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, sending shockwaves across tech sectors that rely heavily on foreign talent—especially from India.

What Meta and Microsoft Told Employees

Meta’s Internal Communication:

• H-1B and H4 visa holders should stay in the US for at least 2 weeks
• Employees abroad must return within 24 hours
• Directives to be followed for the “foreseeable future“

Microsoft’s Urgent Advisory:

• Strongly urged H-1B workers in the US not to travel abroad
• Those overseas asked to “do best to return” immediately

Context: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Hike

President Donald Trump announced on Friday:

• H-1B visa fee increased from $215 to $100,000
• Investor visa fees could rise from $10,000 to $20,000+
• Objective: “Incentivize hiring American workers”
• Gold Card and Platinum Card visa programs introduced to replace employment-based pathways to citizenship

Impact on Indian Tech Workers

• 71% of H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals last year
• Indian professionals dominate roles in:
  • Software engineering
  • IT project management
  • Artificial intelligence & cloud computing

This sudden change in visa policy may jeopardize current job stability and travel plans for thousands of Indian tech workers in the US.

New Visa Models: Trump Gold Card Program

Trump also introduced:

• Trump Gold Card & Trump Platinum Card (individuals)
• Trump Corporate Gold Card (businesses)

These replace traditional employment-based visas and offer:

• Exclusive privileges
• No guaranteed path to citizenship
• Targeted at extraordinary talent in science, arts, sports, and business

Related News : Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas: Major Impact on Indian Tech WorkersAMP