Immigration – US Tech Leaders Raise Concerns Over Revised Green Card Policy
Immigration – The latest immigration policy introduced by the Trump administration has sparked strong criticism from several leading voices in the American technology industry. Under the revised approach, individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States through a green card process will now be expected to complete their applications from their home countries instead of remaining within the US during processing.
The move has drawn objections from founders and executives across Silicon Valley, many of whom believe the decision could create fresh uncertainty for international professionals, researchers, and students working in the country.
Technology Sector Questions Long-Term Impact
Among those reacting publicly was Reid Hoffman, who expressed concern over how the policy could affect skilled workers already contributing to the US economy. He questioned whether researchers, students, and employees involved in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence would now be forced to leave the country while waiting for lengthy immigration approvals.
Hoffman described the measure as damaging not only for the technology sector but also for the broader interests of the United States. His remarks reflected growing anxiety within the startup ecosystem that immigration restrictions could slow innovation and disrupt ongoing projects involving international talent.
Concerns Over Talent and Economic Competitiveness
Andrew Ng, a prominent figure in the artificial intelligence industry and co-founder of Coursera, also criticised the decision. He argued that the requirement represents an unnecessary obstacle for legal immigrants who are already living and working in the country through approved visa programs.
Ng warned that the policy could affect families and reduce the number of skilled professionals available in important sectors such as healthcare, education, science, and engineering. He further suggested that limiting access to global talent may weaken America’s position in the rapidly growing AI industry, where competition between countries continues to intensify.
Industry leaders have increasingly stressed that the US technology sector depends heavily on international workers, particularly in research-driven areas including machine learning, software development, and biotechnology.
Startup Community Responds Strongly
Garry Tan, who leads startup accelerator Y Combinator, also voiced opposition to the immigration change. He described the decision as misguided and argued that the country benefits significantly from attracting highly skilled professionals from around the world.
According to Tan, many successful American companies were built with contributions from immigrants, and future economic growth could suffer if talented individuals decide to move elsewhere due to stricter residency rules. He added that innovation-driven businesses often create large employment opportunities over time, making global talent an important part of long-term economic development.
USCIS Defends the New Guidance
The policy clarification was issued last week by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. In its memo, the agency reiterated that student visas and temporary work visas are intended for limited stays and should not automatically serve as a direct pathway toward permanent residency.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler defended the administration’s position, saying the updated guidance is designed to ensure immigration laws operate as originally intended. He stated that requiring applicants to apply from outside the United States could reduce the number of individuals remaining in the country illegally after residency applications are denied.
Officials also noted that exceptions allowing applicants to remain inside the US during green card processing would be granted only under extraordinary circumstances.
Debate Likely to Continue Across Industries
The announcement has reopened a wider debate over immigration policy and its effect on the American workforce. Supporters of stricter rules argue that the government must maintain stronger control over temporary visa programs and residency procedures. Critics, however, believe the new approach may discourage highly educated professionals from choosing the United States as a destination for work and research.
The technology industry, which relies heavily on global recruitment, is expected to continue pressing for immigration reforms that provide stability for international employees already contributing to US companies and universities.