Foreign Tech Workers Urged to Return to the US Before Trump Takes Office

Immigration lawyers are advising foreign tech workers in the US on visas to return to the country before Donald Trump assumes office on January 20, 2025. Concerns are growing about potential executive orders from the Trump administration that could impose restrictions on work visas, particularly those commonly used in the tech industry, such as the H-1B visa.

Trump’s administration is also expected to reinstate travel bans targeting individuals from Muslim-majority countries. Texas-based immigration lawyer Jason Finkelman warned, “Storm is coming. And this time, we know exactly what it's going to bring.” He added that potential travel bans or visa restrictions could disrupt US companies’ ability to hire and retain foreign talent.

California-based immigration lawyers are urging clients currently overseas to return to the US, anticipating changes to travel policies. Some experts speculate that the new administration’s travel restrictions might also include countries like China.

The H-1B visa program, which allows companies to hire high-skilled foreign workers for specialized roles, has been a critical pathway for international tech professionals to work long-term in the US. However, critics argue that the program enables companies to pay lower wages and offer fewer worker protections.

During Trump’s first term, H-1B visa policies tightened significantly. Application denials increased, and the administration issued the “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, prioritizing high-wage and highly skilled applicants for business visas. These measures were aimed at protecting American workers but were criticized for creating uncertainty for tech companies reliant on global talent.

As Trump prepares for his second term, foreign tech workers face mounting uncertainty about their future in the US. Immigration lawyers are urging proactive measures to avoid being caught in policy changes that could impact their ability to stay or work in the country.