Tech execs all butthurt ‘n shit!

source: International Business Times

• Google CEO Sundar Pichai says “disappointed” by the order restricting visas 
• Microsoft Chief Counsel Brad Smith: Now is not the time to cut off the nation from the world’s talent
• Tech companies depend on H-1B visas to bring in immigrant talent

Tech executives have slammed the temporary suspension of foreign work visas by the Trump administration, which is expected to affect 525,000 jobs amid the high rate of unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The executives say immigrants helped the U.S. become a global leader in tech and the restrictions come at a wrong time. 

The executive order signed Monday (June 22) by President Trump will extend the 60-day freeze on new work permits for non-U.S. citizens that was first imposed two months ago. The order applies to H-1B, H-2B, H-4, L-1 and certain J-1 visas.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted Monday that he was “disappointed” by the order. 

“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.”

Sundar Pichai
Google CEO

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.

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) June 22, 2020

Herrera-Flanigan, Twitter’s head of public policy and philanthropy for the Americas, said in a statement Monday………. 

“This proclamation undermines America’s greatest economic asset: its diversity. Unilaterally and unnecessarily stifling America’s attractiveness to global, high-skilled talent is short-sighted and deeply damaging to the economic strength of the United States.”

Herrera-Flanigan
Twitter

The H-1B visas are mostly used by the tech industry to bring in immigrant talent, which they depend on heavily, while the J visas are used by academics and researchers, and the L visas are used by companies for intra-company transfer of employees.

“Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world’s talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country’s critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most.”

Brad Smith
Microsoft’s Chief Counsel

Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world’s talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country’s critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most.

— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) June 23, 2020

WTF?…….Cut our nation off from the world’s talent?

Who do they think invented all this tech stuff?

Americans!

……at least last time I checked!

Tech Executives Slam Trump’s Executive Order Suspending H-1B Visas

Calamity Jane