The administration of President Donald Trump has ramped up oversight of the H-1B visa program, a critical pathway for highly skilled workers, while intensifying its crackdown on international students in the United States. Since early 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for H-1B and employment-based visa petitions, demanding additional information such as updated residential addresses and biometric data. These unprecedented measures have sparked concerns among immigration attorneys, employers, and universities, who fear significant disruptions in the U.S.’s ability to attract and retain global talent. By April 18, over 240 colleges and universities reported that 1,550 international students and recent graduates had their legal status revoked, according to data from Inside Higher Education.
The H-1B program, vital for industries like technology, finance, and academia, allows up to 65,000 new visas annually, with an additional 20,000 exemptions for individuals holding U.S. master’s degrees or higher. Major companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Tesla rely heavily on these visas to hire skilled professionals. However, the recent wave of RFEs, which now include requests for biometric data—an unusual requirement for such petitions—signals a stricter approach from the government. Immigration attorneys suggest these requests may be tied to broader deportation efforts, though USCIS has not provided clarity on the reasons behind the changes.
The lack of transparency in RFEs, which often cite “adverse information” without specifying its nature, has left employers and visa holders on edge. Speculation is growing that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is leveraging artificial intelligence tools to cross-reference data from social media and government databases, flagging individuals for further scrutiny. This practice, experts warn, could undermine applicants’ privacy and complicate the processing of legitimate petitions.
Context of the immigration crackdown
The surge in RFEs aligns with a broader, more stringent immigration policy under the Trump administration since its inauguration in January 2025. Beyond H-1B visa demands, the DHS has heightened scrutiny of international students, particularly those on F-1 visas. Elite universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and Yale face mounting pressure to comply with government demands, including providing details on foreign students’ activities. In some cases, students have been detained for participating in protests or publishing political opinions, such as op-eds in campus newspapers.
Harvard, for instance, faced a freeze of $2.2 billion in federal funding after rejecting a list of White House demands, which included changes to admissions and teaching policies. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem threatened to revoke the university’s ability to enroll foreign students if it fails to comply by April 30. Columbia, meanwhile, partially acquiesced, agreeing to measures like oversight of academic departments, prompting backlash from faculty and students.
The crackdown is also eroding the sense of legal security among foreign students and workers. Many report fears of traveling abroad, worried they may be unable to return to the U.S. Universities like MIT and the University of Massachusetts issued advisories urging international students to return before Trump’s January 20 inauguration to avoid potential entry bans.
Impact on the technology sector
The USCIS’s new approach to H-1B visas is raising alarms in the technology sector, which relies on these visas to fill highly specialized roles. In 2024, Amazon secured over 5,000 H-1B visas, while Google and Meta also ranked among the top beneficiaries. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, used the program to bring in hundreds of engineers and scientists, bolstering its workforce in artificial intelligence and manufacturing.
The RFEs, now requiring biometric data and residential addresses, add bureaucratic hurdles and costs for employers. Each request demands detailed responses, often involving specialized attorneys, which can delay hiring and project timelines. Moreover, the ambiguity surrounding “adverse information” complicates the preparation of adequate responses, increasing the risk of denials.
For workers, the stakes are even higher. Many H-1B visa holders fear that biometric data collection is a precursor to identifying them in deportation operations. This uncertainty is prompting some to reconsider staying in the U.S., with countries like Canada and India emerging as more stable alternatives for career opportunities.
- Key sectors impacted by H-1B visas:
- Technology: Companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta.
- Finance: Banks and consultancies like JPMorgan and Deloitte.
- Academia: Universities hiring researchers and professors.
- Manufacturing: Firms like Tesla and Intel.
Reactions from attorneys and employers
Immigration attorneys are troubled by the lack of precedent for the USCIS’s new requirements. Vic Goel, from the law firm Goel & Anderson, noted that requesting biometric data is “highly unusual” for H-1B petitions, which historically do not involve such measures. The absence of clear guidelines on responding to RFEs complicates matters for employers and beneficiaries, who often face tight deadlines to submit extensive documentation.
Organizations like nfpResearch have warned that the RFEs may be part of a broader government strategy to identify and deport legally present individuals. In social media posts, the group suggested the DHS is using advanced technologies to track applicants, though no official confirmation exists.
Employers are grappling with balancing compliance with the new demands and retaining talent. Many are reevaluating hiring strategies, exploring options like relocating operations to countries with less restrictive immigration policies. David Bier, from the Cato Institute, cautioned that immigration uncertainty could drive companies to invest more in markets like India, where access to talent is less constrained.
Pressure on universities
American universities, hosting over 400,000 international students, are at the forefront of the new immigration policies. Since early 2025, the Trump administration has intensified oversight of F-1 visas used by foreign students. Inside Higher Education data indicates that by mid-April, 1,550 students from over 240 institutions had their legal status revoked, often for minor infractions or protest participation.
High-profile detentions, such as that of Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University and Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk at Tufts University, highlight the DHS’s aggressive stance. Khalil was detained in March after joining pro-Palestine protests, while Ozturk was apprehended near her residence, shocking the academic community. These incidents prompted universities to issue conduct guidelines and advise students to avoid activities that could be deemed political.
Universities also face financial threats. Beyond the funding freeze for Harvard and Columbia, the government announced $210 million in research grant cuts for Princeton and $800 million for Johns Hopkins. These measures aim to pressure institutions into aligning with White House demands, including reducing diversity programs and overseeing academic content.
Timeline of immigration actions in 2025
The Trump administration’s immigration policies in 2025 reflect a pattern of progressive tightening. Below are key milestones through April:
- January 20: Trump’s inauguration, with pledges for mass deportations.
- January 27: Executive order eliminating birthright citizenship for children of non-permanent residents, impacting H-1B and F-1 visa holders.
- Early March: Detentions of international students for participating in pro-Palestine protests.
- March 25: Executive order strengthening biometric verification in electoral processes, potentially extending to immigration policies.
- April 18: Inside Higher Education reports 1,550 students losing legal status.
- April 21: Initial reports of RFEs for H-1B visas with biometric data requirements.
Challenges for international students
International students face unprecedented uncertainty. Many struggle to plan their academic futures, particularly those relying on F-1 visas to remain in the U.S. post-graduation. Transitioning to an H-1B visa, which allows employment, has become riskier with the USCIS’s new demands.
Universities are advising students to avoid international travel, fearing immigration rule changes could prevent reentry. New York University, for example, urged all international students to return by January 19, before Trump’s inauguration. Similar warnings came from Yale, MIT, and Wesleyan, citing risks of entry bans reminiscent of Trump’s 2017 travel restrictions.
The situation is particularly precarious for students from Asian countries like China and India, who dominate H-1B and F-1 visa applications. Japanese student Aoi Maeda, from Earlham College, expressed concerns that Trump’s policies could jeopardize even those with valid visas, complicating their ability to complete their studies.
Economic and global implications
The crackdown on H-1B visas and international students could have far-reaching consequences for the U.S. economy. The H-1B program underpins innovation in technology and healthcare, sectors reliant on foreign professionals to maintain global competitiveness. Overly restrictive policies may push companies to relocate operations, as seen with growing investments in India.
The loss of international students also threatens university revenues, as foreign students pay higher tuition. In 2023, these students contributed approximately $40 billion to the U.S. economy, per the National Association of Educators. A decline in enrollments could exacerbate financial struggles for smaller institutions, already strained since 2020.
Globally, Trump’s policies are reshaping migration flows. In Central America, migrant attempts to reach the U.S. dropped 93% in early 2025, according to Panama’s government. Many are returning to their home countries, fearing deportations. This trend could impact economies reliant on remittances, such as El Salvador and Honduras, which received $42 billion in 2023.
Outlook for employers and beneficiaries
Immigration attorneys urge employers and H-1B visa holders to respond promptly to RFEs, providing comprehensive and accurate documentation. Engaging specialized legal counsel can improve approval odds, though added costs are a concern for small businesses and startups.
For workers, maintaining updated records, including addresses and employment proof, is critical. Those receiving RFEs should consult attorneys to assess whether the requests align with USCIS guidelines, as vague notifications may allow for legal challenges.
Universities face the challenge of safeguarding students while preserving autonomy. Some, like Harvard, are resisting government demands, while others, like Columbia, seek compromise to avoid financial penalties. This divide underscores the complexity of the moment, with academic freedom and student safety at stake.
Practical steps for workers and students
In the current climate, employers and students can take proactive measures to mitigate risks:
- Complete documentation: Keep all immigration records, employment contracts, and proof of residence current.
- Legal consultation: Hire specialized attorneys to review petitions and RFE responses.
- Avoid international travel: Students should prioritize staying in the U.S. until immigration policies clarify.
- Monitor changes: Stay informed on USCIS and DHS announcements to anticipate new requirements.
