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US-China relations
EconomyGlobal Economy

Chinese workers in US explore fleeing to Europe after H-1B chaos: ‘I’m so tired of this’

Trump’s proposed changes to the visa programme sparked panic among Chinese workers – and a spike in inquiries about moving to Europe

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US President Donald Trump sparked panic among Chinese workers in the United States over the weekend when he proposed a new US$100,000 payment for H-1B visas. Photo: Reuters
Xiaofei Xuin Paris

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.

“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.
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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.
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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.
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