‘Noose around my neck’: Tech professionals rethink life in US amid immigration curbs

This article was originally published in Rest of World, which covers technology’s impact outside the West.

Tech professionals around the world are on the edge as President Donald Trump and his administration impose a series of radical immigration measures.

From attempting to deport foreign nationals who are permanent legal residents to barring visitors from entering the country for expressing views on US foreign policy, immigrants have seen a tumultuous couple of months.

Last week, reports said the US government is considering placing travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries. The plan would completely ban travel from 11 nations, impose heavy curbs on 10 others, and give 22 countries a 60-day ultimatum to address perceived deficiencies or risk moving to one of the other categories.

While workers from the targeted nations make up a relatively small percentage of the tech workforce, industry professionals outside the purview of the measures, too, have been increasingly concerned about being impacted by the shifting visa policies and anti-immigration rhetoric.

They are particularly worried about increased scrutiny of the H-1B visa, which is sought after by tech companies.

Immigration attorneys are now advising clients on temporary US visas to avoid leaving the country, warning they may encounter difficulties when attempting to return.

“There has been a surge in audits and enforcement actions...

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