Apple, Google tell workers on visas to avoid leaving the U.S. amid Trump immigration crackdown

"U.S. consulates and embassies have been reporting lengthy, sometimes months-long delays, for visa appointments following new rules from the Department of Homeland Security requiring travelers to undergo a screening of up to five years' of their social media history a move criticized by free speech advocates as a privacy invasion. For Apple and Google, which together employ more than 300,000 employees and rely heavily on highly-skilled foreign workers,"

""Given the recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S., we strongly recommend that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel for now," the memo read. "If travel cannot be postponed, employees should connect with Apple Immigration and Fragomen in advance to discuss the risks.""

Apple and Google warned some U.S.-based employees on visas to avoid international travel because of risks of being unable to return. U.S. consulates and embassies reported lengthy, sometimes months-long delays for visa appointments. The Department of Homeland Security requires travelers to undergo screening of up to five years of social media history. Free speech advocates criticized the social media screening as a privacy invasion. Law firms representing tech employees recommended postponing travel or consulting immigration teams in advance. Apple and Google employ over 300,000 workers and rely heavily on highly skilled foreign talent. The White House announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas earlier this year.

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