Stay put if you’re in US: Big techs to workers

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In response to the White House proclamation on H-1B visas, major US firms including Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and JPMorgan have issued urgent advisories asking employees on H-1B visas to return to the US before the Sept 21 deadline.Microsoft’s advisory, shared shortly after the proclamation, warned of the risk of being denied re-entry into the US if employees travel abroad. “While the proclamation does not reference H-4 dependents, we also recommend that H-4s remain in the US,” the company said. The note also added that while “there is other content about the pause in processing H-1B petitions for individuals who are outside the US,” the company does not interpret this to immediately affect extensions of H-1B status or changes of status for those already in the country.The company urged overseas staff to make immediate travel arrangements to return before the deadline. “This guidance is being positioned as a precaution to avoid disruptions to personal and professional plans,” the note said. Emails to Microsoft and JPMorgan went unanswered till going to press.Fidelity Investments and State Street reportedly sent similar advisories, though TOI could not independently verify them. According to Reuters, Amazon has asked its employees to stay within US borders until there is more clarity. JPMorgan, through its law firm Ogletree Deakins, told staff: “H-1B visa holders who are currently in the US should remain in the US and avoid international travel until the govt issues clear travel guidance.”