Meta, Microsoft Warn H-1B Visa Holders to Stay in US Amid Trump Immigration 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.