International employers in the tech industry and universities are facing growing concerns over the vulnerability of their international employees and students due to the increase of removals by the Trump administration. Tech companies have begun telling employees on visas not to leave the U.S. due to non-citizens being denied reentry. Meanwhile, international students at many universities are concerned over the recent removals of several graduate students and researchers.

The tech industry is bracing itself for a repeat of Trump’s first term, which saw a fifteen percent spike increase in denial for skilled visas. The tech industry often employs skilled visa recipients, sometimes in high-ranking positions. For many tech companies, recruiting internationally is the key to meeting the demand for tech and engineering talent.

These skilled visas, such as the H-1B, are a source of contention within President Trump’s coalition. Tech industry leaders like Elon Musk have been some of the President’s biggest supporters, but their reliance on international talent has put them at odds with conservative politicians. President Trump does not have the authority to end the H-1B program, but the unpredictability of the administration has many still on edge.

The same can be said for many international students attending American universities following several high-profile arrests of noncitizen students and fellows over the past several weeks. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the individuals were arrested due to alleged connections to terrorist organizations. Critics of the arrests argue that they are merely methods of punishing non-citizen students for engaging in protests.

The affects of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts are beginning to show. Critics in both the tech industry and American universities note the negative mental and social impact on international employees and students. Supporters of the Trump presidency argue the measures take pressure off the over-burdened U.S. immigration system.

As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.

Trump immigration enforcement Trump Immigration policy