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WIRED
15-05-2025
- Business
- WIRED
US Tech Visa Applications Are Being Put Through the Ringer
May 15, 2025 12:00 PM Silicon Valley's coveted work visas are under heavy scrutiny from the Trump administration, and immigration lawyers say requests for documentation are increasing. Passengers arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport line up at US Customs and Border Protection. Photograph:Since the end of January, Ryan Helgeson, a Chicago-based immigration attorney, has noticed an unusual trend: He's been getting significantly more pushback from US Citizenship and Immigration Services as he files employment visa petitions on behalf of his foreign-born clients. Helgeson's firm, McEntee Law Group, represents tech workers who hope to emigrate or remain in the US by way of visas granted for specialty occupations or extraordinary abilities. On average, Helgeson's firm files 50 to 75 visa petitions per month. This goes up to as many as 90 per month at the height of 'H-1B season,' when employers enter a lottery for visas on behalf of foreign workers, and candidates then file a formal petition. During his many years of practicing law, Helgeson and his team have occasionally received requests for additional evidence, or RFE's, from USCIS, as a part of the agency's process for vetting applicants. But since Donald Trump took office and began cracking down on immigration, Helgeson says, there has been 'an absolute increase in the number and rate of RFE's' on the visa petitions he has filed. That tracks with what three other immigration attorneys told WIRED. Whether their clients are applying for H-1B visas, O-1 extraordinary ability visas, intracompany visas for foreigners looking to move to a US office, or visas specific to traders and investors, USCIS has been seeking an increased amount of information from applicants. This includes more requests for letters of support, certificates of education, and biometric data, immigration lawyers tell WIRED. Some of the pushback is based on 'adverse information' about the applicant or an applicant failing to update their address, lawyers say. But other RFE's are redundant, requesting information that has already been provided. In some cases, attorneys are struggling to determine what else USCIS could be seeking. 'The tone of the requests for evidence has remained the same, but the whole process is overtly more hostile,' Helgeson says. These requests from USCIS can double the amount of time it takes for a visa to be processed, he adds. It's also expensive to resubmit visa petitions. Matt Doyle, a British-born tech entrepreneur living in Austin, Texas, and one of McEntee Law Group's clients, recently had his EB-1 visa application denied. Now he's having to reapply. Doyle will pay another $4,000 to the government to expedite his reapplication, on top of the $20,000 he says he has already spent in legal fees for him and his family. For now, the law firm is waiving any additional fees. 'I was approved on two out of the three criteria, and they acknowledged [my company's] innovation and uniqueness, but they didn't feel the evidence showed broader impact,' Doyle says. The entrepreneur is now soliciting several additional letters of support from customers and colleagues. He's paying to expedite the process, he says, in the hopes that his visa gets approved before his current extension expires this fall. 'In the 30-plus years combined of me and my legal partner practicing immigration law, we have seen more denials in cases like Matt's within the past few weeks than we had cumulatively seen before in our careers,' Helgeson says. Immigration lawyers and technologists are concerned that a more restrictive visa process could limit the talent pipeline in Silicon Valley. Around 66 percent of tech workers in the Valley are foreign-born, according to the think tank Joint Venture Silicon Valley. US tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are some of the largest recipients of H-1B visas. H-1B visas are for newly-employed, high-skilled workers. First introduced in 1990, the visas are issued for three years and allow a worker to extend by three years. The allotment is capped at 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 available for workers with a master's degree or higher. Workers from India make up the overwhelming majority of H-1B petitioners—73 percent—while workers from China and Hong Kong are the next largest group, at 12 percent. Proponents of the H-1B say it's a way to fill highly specialized roles within US companies and help those companies remain competitive. Critics say it undercuts the US job market and that the petition process is rife with fraud. During his first presidential run, Trump lambasted the H-1B visa as part of a system that took jobs from Americans and vowed to 'end forever the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program.' During the Biden administration, H-1B applications jumped up 61 percent, and USCIS began investigating whether multiple applications were being filed for the same visa. Shortly before Biden left office, his administration attempted to modernize the H-1B visa by expanding eligibility categories and speeding up the application process, while also allowing immigration officials to defer to previous approvals on visa extensions. In theory, this would reduce the need for requests for evidence. The influence of immigrant founders on Silicon Valley is undeniable. Several tech unicorn founders and top CEOs are immigrants, including Sergey Brin, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Max Levchin, and perhaps most famously, Elon Musk. Musk, Trump's unofficial adviser, has expressed support for bringing in outside talent to the US. So has Sriram Krishnan, a former partner at Andreessen Horowitz and currently one of Trump's AI advisers, who posted on X in November that 'anything to remove country caps for green cards / unlock skilled immigration would be huge.' The following month, Trump softened his tone on H-1B's: 'I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That's why we have them,' he told the New York Post. But in the absence of any official policy directives on employment or skill-based visas, and amid a broader crackdown on immigration in the US, attorneys and technologists believe that the administration's hard-line approach is beginning to impact the tech sector. In late April, Pejman Nozad, an Iranian American who runs a Palo Alto venture capital firm called Pear VC, posted on X that 'too many Pear VC founders are getting their visas challenged—and it's downright absurd. Entrepreneurs build America, so let's open the doors for innovators, not shut them!' Nozad tagged Musk and David Sacks, a South African–born venture capitalist and Trump's AI and crypto czar. (Nozad declined to elaborate on his remarks when contacted by WIRED, saying that the founders he was referring to were too nervous to speak out.) Aizada Marat, a lawyer and cofounder of the firm Alma Immigration in Menlo Park, California, says her firm processes 'hundreds' of visa petitions per month, including extraordinary ability visas like the O-1 visas and EB-1. Marat says that her firm has seen a recent jump in RFEs, estimating that last year 8 percent of petitions were sent back with RFEs and that this year, the number has nearly doubled. 'It's alarming,' Marat says. Marat recently filed an O-1 visa petition on behalf of a client who was a board member of a national bank in their home country and who had raised venture capital funding from well-known angel investors and VCs in order to start a company in the US. She says the person's accomplishments were well-documented in the press. USCIS rejected their application—twice—due to a supposed lack of evidence, Marat says. She resubmitted a third time, and the visa was later granted. If it had been denied again, she planned to sue USCIS. 'We suspect the agency is just rejecting certain petitions without reading through them first, and asking for more evidence right off the bat,' Marat says. 'It has definitely changed since the [2024 US presidential] election.' Nell Barker, a partner and immigration lawyer at the Chicago-based firm Kempster, Corcoran, Quiceno & Lenz-Calvo, works with academics and tech workers filing for visas. She recently received a request for more information on a postdoctoral researcher who was applying for an H-1B. She says USCIS was seeking more evidence certifying that the person's degree supported their work in the field. 'If the person is a postdoc in physics, they likely studied physics,' Barker says dryly. Another client of Barker's who was petitioning for an H-1B received notice that USCIS couldn't process the application until the client presented in person at an application support center and submitted their biometric data, including a photograph and fingerprint scan. Barker says this request for biometrics is standard for many types of visa applications, including green cards, but it's 'new for I-129 applicants,' meaning employer-led visa petitions. At the time of publication, USCIS hadn't responded to WIRED's request for information about the increase in RFE's. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with more than 16,000 members, recently acknowledged the uptick in RFEs. In early May, the AILA put out a practice advisory to its members, telling them that 'while the information being requested on RFEs may appear duplicative, RFEs must still be responded to in order to prevent any application or petition denials.' USCIS told the AILA that 'as part of the Trump administration's commitment to restoring integrity to our immigration system, we are increasing the screening and vetting of all aliens filing for immigration benefits and reserve the right to request additional information and conduct additional security checks at any point in the immigration lifecycle,' according to a copy of the advisory viewed by WIRED. The agency said that collecting beneficiary information and biometric data is a necessary part of USCIS's efforts to promote national security and public safety and to mitigate fraud. Some lawyers say that the jump in RFEs is unsurprising: It happened with certain visa categories during Trump's first term, too. The Massachusetts law firm Parker Gallini noted that from 2016 through 2021 the RFE rate for H-1B's doubled, based on USCIS data. H1-B final approvals also dropped to 85 percent, down from 94 percent, during Trump's first term. But other visa categories, like the one for extraordinary abilities, only saw single-digit increases in RFEs during Trump's first term, and RFE's actually rose from 26 percent during Trump's term to 31 percent during the early months of Biden's presidency. While requests for evidence from USCIS appear to be on the rise again, it's too soon to determine if outright visa denials will increase as well. Still, immigration attorneys say, the effects of a more stringent petition process are already being felt by their clients. 'I do think a lot of what the administration is doing, between a surge in RFEs, USCIS staff cuts, and erratic immigration policies, is a deterrent for both foreign talent and US employers,' says Ayda Akalin, a Los Angeles–based lawyer at LandUS Law who has also encountered more RFEs in her practice. 'And this is ultimately bad for the US economy and harmful to American companies, particularly those in tech and the creative industries.' Helgeson also believes this will have a 'chilling effect' on the US tech industry, especially for young people who might have once found their way into the US through the education system and remained in the US on specialty visas to build companies. 'A lot of people are reconsidering right now whether they want to deal with this uncertainty,' he says. 'If the administration gets its way, the US risks becoming a technological backwater. And the talent will just drain.'
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Powerful Nations Are Using Visas To Win The Global AI Talent Race
A U.S. passport with a globe blurred in background. The world's most powerful nations are vying for a dwindling pool of elite AI researchers. They are using expedited visa processes and citizenship fast-tracks to attract the best international talent. This global competition is transforming immigration paperwork into an economic strategy, aiming for technological dominance. While the U.S. has only recently begun mobilizing its immigration system, other nations have been aggressively courting elite AI professionals for years, transforming their immigration systems into powerful recruitment tools. This competition is only intensifying. Research from the Centre for the Governance of AI shows that two-thirds of graduate students in AI-related programs were born outside the United States. The AI Talent Index by LinkedIn further reveals that countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have achieved some of the highest concentrations of AI talent globally, highlighting how strategic national policies can create competitive advantages in the global AI landscape. Canada has emerged as the clear front-runner, turning heads with its lightning-fast two-week processing for AI work permits. But it's not just speed that makes Canada attractive—it's the promise of permanence. The United Kingdom looks to tear down traditional barriers by creating multiple visa options tailored specifically for AI talent, from skilled workers to innovative founders. France and Australia are making equally bold moves, though with different approaches. France is going all-in with a massive €2.1 billion investment in AI development, complementing specialized visa programs with an ambitious plan to train 100,000 AI professionals annually by 2030. Meanwhile, Australia has radically reoriented its immigration system in its 2024-2025 Federal Budget, dedicating 70% of migration slots to skilled workers with particular emphasis on AI expertise, as Konnecting, an Australian recruiting firm, reports. Both countries are backing these commitments with substantial resources for research institutes, corporate initiatives, and talent development programs. What's becoming clear is that these nations have discovered something that even Silicon Valley's financial allure can't match: the promise of belonging. Their streamlined immigration processes, coupled with a long-term commitment to AI development, offer global talent not just a job, but a future. In January 2025, the Trump administration introduced Executive Order 14179, "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence," signaling a shift in U.S. strategy for AI talent acquisition. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its guidance for O-1 visas and EB-1A green cards, clarifying the evidentiary criteria for individuals with extraordinary abilities in emerging technologies like AI. These developments have created new opportunities through the National Interest Waiver program, allowing advanced-degree professionals to bypass traditional labor certification processes when their work serves the national interest. For AI professionals and researchers, this pathway could offer a faster route to permanent residency, though the full impact of recent policy changes remains to be seen. The recently updated International Entrepreneur Rule offers a promising pathway for AI startup founders. Entrepreneurs who own at least 10% of a U.S.-based startup and secure qualifying investments of $311,071 (as of October 2024) or government grants of $124,429 can stay in the United States for up to five years. This "parole" status, while not a traditional visa, allows founders to build their AI ventures with the added benefits of spouse work authorization and international travel flexibility. For AI startups that typically attract substantial early funding, these investment thresholds align well with standard seed rounds, making this program a viable entry point into America's tech ecosystem. However, these changes, while significant, may not be enough to counter the aggressive moves of America's competitors. As other nations continue to streamline their immigration processes and offer more permanent pathways for AI talent, the U.S. needs to consider more comprehensive reforms to maintain its competitive edge. America's traditional advantages, which include world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and unmatched private sector opportunities, are no longer sufficient guarantees of technological dominance. The bureaucratic friction in the U.S. immigration system may prove an obstacle in winning the AI talent war. A glaring example is the Schedule A labor certification list, which has remained largely unchanged for two decades. In a May 2024 letter to the Department of Labor, Google highlighted this stagnation as a significant barrier to hiring AI talent, arguing that the current framework fails to reflect the rapidly evolving needs of the tech industry. This outdated system forces companies to navigate lengthy labor certification processes for roles that clearly face persistent shortages. Securing America's AI future requires moving beyond such outdated frameworks. Visa processing times must match the speed of technological advancement, and immigration pathways need to reflect the current realities of the AI industry. The revamped International Entrepreneur Rule shows promise, but it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The global race for AI dominance isn't just about algorithms and computing power. It's about brains. While the United States has long been the top destination for tech talent, its position as the world's innovation leader is no longer guaranteed. The path forward lies in crafting an unbeatable talent strategy that combines Silicon Valley's legendary innovation ecosystem with a modernized immigration system designed for the AI age. This competition extends beyond maintaining technological superiority. At stake is the future of human civilization itself. The nation that attracts and nurtures the best AI minds will lead the next industrial revolution and write the rules for AI development and integration into society. The United States has a proud history of turning immigrants into visionary innovators. From Einstein to Musk, this nation has transformed foreign-born talent into change agents who have redefined what's possible. The AI revolution presents an opportunity to build on this legacy. Nations that offer the most strategic immigration systems will find themselves attracting top AI talent and fundamentally shaping humanity's technological trajectory for decades to come. As AI increasingly defines economic prosperity, national security, and social development, the stakes couldn't be higher—countries that fail to adapt their immigration policies risk surrendering their technological edge in perhaps the most consequential innovation race of our time.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: Faith in humanity and legal immigration
Sometimes, fact truly is stranger than fiction. Earlier this year, a woman was waiting to pick up her dry cleaning when a man suddenly snatched her purse. Determined to get it back, she chased him, yelling for help. Coincidentally, they passed a karate studio where a martial arts instructor spotted the chase, ran outside and shouted, 'Drop the bag!' When the thief refused, the instructor delivered a swift kick to his leg. The thief dropped the purse and fled. The woman later contacted the school to express her gratitude. The story made the local news under the headline, 'Faith in Humanity Again.' That instructor was my client. A year earlier, we filed an O-1 visa petition for him as an extraordinary martial artist documenting his international awards, media recognition and the creation of a new martial arts technique and school. His visa was approved, and since arriving in the U.S., he has taught hundreds of students and unexpectedly played the role of a real-life superhero. Business and legal immigration are often drowned out by emotionally charged debates over illegal immigration. Yet legal immigration remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy — bringing in talent, building companies, driving investment and strengthening key industries. Even proposals like President Trump's 'Trump Card,' supported by financier Howard Lutnick, recognize the value of foreign investment by creating streamlined pathways for those who contribute capital and create American jobs. As a business immigration attorney, I've helped bring thousands of exceptional individuals to the U.S. — software engineers building cybersecurity systems, scientists developing Alzheimer's treatments, filmmakers, designers and Olympic-level coaches. Recruiting global talent has long been a key part of America's innovation engine creating the greatest achievements in world history. Immigrants make up just 16% of the U.S. population, but they account for 23% of all patents and over half of billion-dollar startups created in the last 20 years. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, international students made up 35% of first-time graduate enrollments in 2022 — including over 70% in computer science and 50% in engineering. These students are vital to the research and development efforts that keep America competitive. Despite this, some, including Steve Bannon, argue that legal immigration undermines American sovereignty and displaces U.S. workers. There's no doubt that middle- and working-class families are under growing strain — from globalization and stagnant wages to the decline of manufacturing, gaps in STEM education, rising college costs and now the disruptive force of artificial intelligence. But blaming immigrants as the sole cause of these challenges oversimplifies a far more complex reality — one where wealth has increasingly flowed to the top, driven by decades of policies that have favored capital over labor. President George W. Bush once warned of the 'evil triplets' of isolationism, protectionism and nativism. History shows that when we give in to these fears, we suffer the consequences. In the 1920s, the U.S. blocked entry to Jewish scientists fleeing fascism. After 9/11, harsh visa restrictions drove top talent to other countries. Every time we turn inward, we lose ground. Today, with a declining birthrate and widespread labor shortages, the need for legal immigration has never been greater. Sectors like healthcare, agriculture and technology are facing urgent hiring gaps, while other countries actively recruit the global talent we're turning away. Yet instead of expanding legal pathways, we're narrowing them — revoking student visas, delaying work authorizations, blocking legal entry and subjecting applicants to unnecessary scrutiny and harassment. Employers, especially small businesses and tech startups, are left struggling to fill roles, with some forced to move operations overseas because U.S. policy leaves them no choice. We need a better approach — one that is both principled and practical. While comprehensive immigration reform is a long-term goal, we can start with four priorities: Invest in American workers. We need stronger education and job training — especially in STEM — and tax policies that rebalance our economy by shifting more of the burden from working families to those who've benefited most from decades of wealth concentration. A thriving middle class is essential to long-term national prosperity. Align immigration with labor needs. Let's bring in the workers and innovators we need — legally and efficiently — while upholding our laws. Cut unnecessary red tape. From green energy to infrastructure, innovation stalls when talent is stuck in bureaucracy. Incentivize job creation. Let's support entrepreneurs — immigrants and citizens alike — who want to build and hire here in America. More than anything, we must embrace a mindset of abundance, not scarcity. America has always grown stronger by welcoming talent, not shutting it out. The future depends on our willingness to invest in people — wherever they're from — and to build a nation that leads not through fear, but through opportunity.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
U.S. Visa Options for Engineers
The United States remains a global leader in innovation and technology, making it a top destination for skilled professionals—especially engineers to work in the United States. Whether you're in software development, civil infrastructure, mechanical design, or electrical systems, there are various opportunities in the U.S. for career growth and impact. For international engineers looking to work experience in the U.S., understanding the available visa type is critical. The right visa can shape not only your ability to work legally in the country but also your long-term career and immigration prospects. One of the strongest and most flexible options available is the O-1 visa, designed for individuals with extraordinary ability—an ideal fit for highly accomplished engineers with broad qualifications. Factors to Consider When Choosing a U.S. Work Visa Before exploring different types of visas, it's important to evaluate your specific situation. Your field of engineering—software, civil, mechanical, or another specialty—may affect which visas are most appropriate. Nationality also plays a role, as certain visas, such as the TN and E-2, are only available to citizens of specific countries. Educational background is another major consideration. Most work visas require at least a bachelor's degree, though some, like the O-1 visa, focus more on professional achievements. Employer sponsorship is also key, as many U.S. visas require a job offer and active petition from a U.S. employer. Finally, your long-term plans—whether you're pursuing a temporary position or permanent residency—will influence your visa choice. Some visas, such as the H-1B and O-1, are dual-intent, meaning they allow you to apply for a green card later on. Visa Options for Engineers TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Engineers The TN visa is a product of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and is available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico. It's a straightforward and fast way for engineers to work in the U.S., provided their role falls under one of the approved engineering occupations. This visa can be renewed indefinitely and offers a smooth application process, especially for Canadian professionals. However, it's not a dual-intent visa, so it's not ideal for those planning to pursue permanent residency. H-1B Visa One of the most widely known U.S. work visas, the H-1B is commonly used by engineering professionals across various sectors. To qualify, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree and have a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your application. While the H-1B offers benefits like dual intent and eligibility for green card sponsorship, it's also highly competitive. Each year, applications exceed the cap of 85,000, which includes a 20,000-visa set-aside for individuals with U.S. master's degrees. Despite the odds, many engineers still pursue the H-1B, especially those currently studying or working in the U.S. under F-1 visas and OPT. O-1 Visa for Engineers with Extraordinary Ability The O-1 visa is a non- immigrant visa, specifically tailored for individuals who have reached a high level of achievement in their field. For experts in the STEM field, who have significant achievements like patents, publications, leadership roles, awards, or work featured in the media. This visa is particularly valuable for high-performing individuals such as startup founders, researchers, or leading software engineers. The O-1 visa is increasingly popular among tech professionals with notable accomplishments. To apply, you must demonstrate national or international recognition and provide substantial documentation—recommendation letters, project overviews, media coverage, and evidence of impact. The O-1 visa has no annual cap and can be renewed, offering a great deal of flexibility. J-1 Visa for Training and Research Engineers participating in educational, research, or internship programs may qualify for the J-1 visa. This category is commonly used by institutions bringing in international talent for temporary training. However, some J-1 visas include a two-year home residency requirement, meaning the individual must return to their home country before transitioning to another U.S. visa. This can be a limiting factor for those seeking long-term employment. E-1 and E-2 Visas Engineers from countries that maintain trade treaties with the U.S. may be eligible for the E-1 or E-2 visas. These are especially relevant for entrepreneurial engineers involved in trade or investing in U.S.-based companies. L-1 Visa for Intra-Company Transfers If you work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a U.S. office, the L-1 visa might be the right fit. It requires that you've worked for the company abroad for at least one year in a managerial or specialized knowledge role. The L-1 visa supports dual intent and provides a potential pathway to a green card, making it ideal for engineers already working in global firms. Green Card Options for Engineers For those aiming to make the U.S. their permanent home, several employment-based green card options exist. The EB-1A category is available for engineers with extraordinary ability—often a next step for an O-1 visa for engineers holders. The EB-2 category is suitable for those with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, and it includes a National Interest Waiver (NIW) that can waive employer sponsorship. The EB-3 is geared toward skilled workers and professionals with at least a bachelor's degree. Timelines vary based on visa category and country of origin, but these paths ultimately lead to permanent residency and the freedom to live and work anywhere in the U.S. Choosing the Best Path Forward Selecting the right visa isn't just about eligibility—it's about aligning with your goals. For example, an engineer from India with multiple patents and published research might find the O-1 visa the best way to fast-track their career and future green card through the EB-1A. Meanwhile, a Canadian mechanical engineer might opt for a TN visa for simplicity, later transitioning to an H-1B or green card if their situation evolves. Each journey is unique, and it's important to map out both short-term opportunities and long-term plans. How PassRight Can Help Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, especially with complex documentation requirements and tight timelines. PassRight streamlines U.S. immigration for high-skilled professionals, especially engineers, by combining a seamless document-collection system with seasoned immigration attorneys who build strong, on-time applications. Whether you're applying for an O-1 visa or aiming for permanent residency, our team and immigration attorneys can guide you every step of the way.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Four at University of Tennessee risk deportation after surprise change to immigration status
Three University of Tennessee at Knoxville students and one former student working on campus are at risk of deportation because of changes made by the federal government to their immigration status, according to an email Chancellor Donde Plowman sent April 4 to the campus community. UT's Center for Global Engagement discovered this week the changes to the students' immigration status in a federal immigration database that processes documents for international students and exchange visitors. The students' and former student's status were changed because they were "identified in a criminal records check," according to Plowman's email. The change means they are now not legally eligible to be enrolled or employed at UT and at risk of being deported. UT's research into the situation found one student is on "judicial diversion for a property crime and another has been charged with DUI," but UT hasn't determined the cause for the change for the other two individuals. The students are not named in the email. The database is called the Student Exchange Visitor System, and commonly referred to as SEVIS. It is maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "The Center for Global Engagement's International Student and Scholar Services is working to support these individuals as we continue to work to fully understand their situations," Plowman said in her April 4 email. "(The Center for Global Engagement) will continue to monitor SEVIS and reach out to any impacted students proactively." UT had 1,425 international students enrolled in the fall 2024 semester. International students require student visas to enroll at UT, and UT provides resources for current students including information on traveling, maintaining their status and employment. Former students can apply for H-1B sponsorships and O-1 sponsorships to remain in the country through employment, including at UT. Plowman's email details "unprecedented uncertainty" regarding international students on campuses across the United States due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement "systematically changing the status of international students." "Our international students, faculty, and staff are important members of our community, and we value the contributions they make to the mission of the university," Plowman said in the email. "The Center for Global Engagement will continue to keep our international students informed and supported." UT's Office of General Counsel posted instructions on its website for faculty and staff members who are approached by federal law enforcement about students. The website requires a UT login. Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Four at UT risk deportation after surprise change to immigration status
