When Alan, a Chinese national working at a chip company in the San Francisco Bay Area, saw that US President Donald Trump was proposing a US$100,000 payment for H-1B working visas on Friday, he immediately reached out to his friend in Paris.
Advertisement
“I cannot take it any more,” Alan, who gave only his English name due to the sensitivity of the topic, wrote in an instant message. “I want to ask you about the work environment in Europe and if their immigration policies are friendly.”
Even though the White House later clarified that the fee would only apply to new applicants – not current holders – the damage was done. The policy and the chaos it unleashed over the weekend have left many Chinese workers feeling traumatised – and determined to leave the United States.
A growing number are now considering moving to Europe as they seek an escape from the continual uncertainty caused by Trump’s unpredictable behaviour. But starting again across the Atlantic comes with its own challenges, most notably the language barrier and lower salary levels on the continent.
The spike in inquiries about working in Europe follows days of panic sparked by the president’s announcement on Friday.
Advertisement
With uncertainty over how widely the fees would apply, many Chinese H-1B holders had to drop everything – abandoning family gatherings, holidays and even weddings – to rush back to the US before the new policy came into force on Sunday, according to personal accounts posted to the Chinese social platform RedNote.