Microsoft has urged its employees on H-1B visas currently traveling outside the United States to return “by tomorrow” following former President Donald Trump‘s recent statements regarding the visa program. The company issued the advisory after Trump, during a rally in rome, Georgia, on Saturday, vowed to reinstate restrictions on H-1B visas if re-elected, possibly impacting thousands of skilled workers employed by U.S. companies.
The sudden advisory underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding H-1B visas, a critical pathway for tech companies like Microsoft to bring in specialized talent. Trump’s previous administration significantly tightened H-1B visa rules, leading to increased scrutiny and denials. A renewed crackdown could disrupt operations, delay projects, and force companies to reconsider their global staffing strategies.The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, and is especially vital to the technology sector, which relies heavily on skilled immigrants.According to internal communications seen by Hindustan Times, Microsoft advised employees, “If you are currently outside of the U.S., please make plans to return as soon as possible, and no later than tomorrow.” The company acknowledged the rapidly evolving situation and emphasized the need for employees to ensure they are legally able to continue working in the U.S. Microsoft has not publicly commented on the advisory, but sources within the company confirmed its authenticity.
Trump, speaking at the Georgia rally, stated his intention to end “birthright citizenship” and reinstate restrictions on work visas, including H-1B visas, claiming they take jobs away from American workers. His previous policies included suspending H-1B visas for a period during the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that faced legal challenges. The potential for a return to thes policies has created anxiety among H-1B visa holders and the companies that employ them.