The policies implemented by former President Donald Trump have raised concerns among legal immigrants in the tech industry, with fears of a potential worker shortage. During his last term, Trump temporarily halted certain work visa programs that tech firms relied on to hire skilled talent. Experts warn that stricter immigration laws could hinder America’s global advantage in artificial intelligence.
The impact of Trump’s presidency on legal immigration and its effect on the tech sector remains uncertain. The potential mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and the revival of the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries have left many tech workers stranded outside the United States in the past.
Estimating the number of legal immigrants working in the tech industry is challenging due to the various visa types available to them. The H-1B visa program, the largest temporary work visa program in the country, has over 600,000 workers employed by 50,000 different employers. Computer-related roles accounted for 65% of the approved petitions in the previous fiscal year, according to USCIS data.
Legal experts and immigration attorneys are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating clarity on H-1B visas in the coming year. However, concerns persist regarding Trump’s track record of supporting visas critical to startup founders and early employees seeking to build companies in the US.
During his first term, Trump positioned himself as the “Buy American, Hire American” president. He signed an executive order suspending certain temporary work visas, including the H-1B visa for skilled workers, which significantly impacted the tech industry. His administration also witnessed increased denial rates for visa applications and a surge in requests for additional evidence to prove workers’ eligibility.
Stricter immigration laws could exacerbate the existing worker shortage in the tech industry, particularly for companies at the forefront of technological advancements. Experts argue that recruiting skilled workers in artificial intelligence is already challenging, and a shortage of high-skilled immigrants could hinder the sector’s progress.
Some industry leaders, such as Box CEO Aaron Levie, express hope that influential figures like Elon Musk, who has shown support for Trump in the past, could bring fresh perspectives to the issue. Musk, an immigrant himself, has advocated for attracting the best and brightest talent to the US.
The tech industry is grappling with a severe AI skills gap, leading companies to actively seek talent from university programs. These firms are offering lucrative salaries and resources beyond what academia can provide.
While the future of high-skilled immigration under Trump’s influence remains uncertain, the presence of individuals like Vice President-elect JD Vance, with a venture capital background, and Elon Musk, who has firsthand experience as an immigrant, may shape a new standard for legal immigration in the tech industry.
It is important to note that legal immigrants in the tech sector, such as Shin Yi Chong, anticipate greater difficulties in obtaining H-1B visas under Trump’s policies. Chong, who received her H-1B visa in 2019, recently faced job loss and now faces the risk of deportation.