$3,800 Flights and Aborted Takeoffs: How Trump’s H-1B Announcement Panicked Tech Workers

On April 18th, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order targeting the H-1B visa program which allows skilled foreign workers to come to the United States. This announcement caused a wave of panic among tech workers who rely on these visas to stay and work in the country.

Following the announcement, reports of tech workers booking last-minute flights back to their home countries for fear of losing their jobs flooded social media. Some even shared stories of aborted takeoffs as they waited to hear the fate of the H-1B program.

The uncertainty surrounding the future of the program led to a feeling of instability in the tech industry, with many companies unsure of how to proceed with their foreign workers. Some tech giants even publicly voiced their concerns about the potential impact on their workforce.

As the news spread, tech workers organized rallies and protests to bring attention to the situation and advocate for the preservation of the H-1B program. Many shared stories of their contributions to the industry and the fear of being forced to leave the country they had come to call home.

Ultimately, the Trump administration made changes to the H-1B visa program, which caused further confusion and concern among tech workers. The increased scrutiny and restrictions placed on the visas led to a decrease in applications and approvals, further exacerbating the anxiety felt by those relying on the program.

Despite the challenges faced by tech workers, many continue to fight for their right to work in the United States and contribute to the industry they love. The impact of Trump’s H-1B announcement continues to be felt among tech workers, highlighting the ongoing debate over immigration and its role in the tech industry.