H-1B Visa Ban: Google, Twitter, Tesla and Other Tech Giants React - Are they Happy?

US President Donald Trump recently banned H-1B and L-1 visas which are mostly used by foreign workers. The step was taken to secure jobs for Americans. However, the move has sparked opposition from Corporates and tech sector executives. The suspension will last until the end of the year. 

How did different Tech Giants and Corporates React?

Sundar Pichai, Alphabet’s CEO stated in a tweet, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."

Susant Wojcicki, the chief of Alphabet’s YouTube highlighted how immigrants are a part of America’s socio-economic milieu. She said in a tweet, "Immigration is central to America's story, and it's central to my own family's story. My family escaped danger and found a new home in America ... at Youtube, we join Google in standing with immigrants and working to expand opportunity for all."Google had 2,678 H-1B visa holders working in the company in 2019 according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has been vocal about his disagreements with the government earlier. He said in his tweet, "Very much disagree with this action. In my experience, these skillsets are net job creators. Visa reform makes sense, but this is too broad.”The company had 324 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

"This proclamation undermines America's greatest economic asset: its diversity. People from all over the world come here to join our labor force, pay taxes, and contribute to our global competitiveness on the world stage," Twitter expressed. 

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook took it to twitter and expressed his opposition against the move. "Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both. Deeply disappointed by this proclamation," he said. Apple had 1,136 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Amazon firmly opposed the move and felt that America is driving away the brightest global talent away from the country. "Amazon opposes the Administration's short-sighted decision to pause high-skill visa programs. Welcoming the best & the brightest global talent is critical to America's economic recovery. We will continue to support these programs & efforts to protect the rights of immigrants," the company said.  It had the highest number of H-1B Visa approvals at 3,026 in 2019.