烽火戏“牛马”：10万美元签证费引发的中国打工人荒诞剧

Core Points - A sudden announcement from major U.S. companies required all H-1B visa holders to return to the U.S. immediately, causing widespread panic among foreign employees [1][3] - The situation was later clarified by U.S. officials, stating that the new regulations only applied to first-time applicants, not current holders [4] - The H-1B visa system, designed to attract high-skilled talent, has a limited quota of 85,000 annually, with a selection rate often below 20%, leading to a precarious situation for many foreign workers [3][12][13] Group 1: Impact on Employees - Many employees faced personal dilemmas, such as abandoning family events or vacations, due to the urgency of returning to the U.S. [2][6] - The fear of losing their jobs and the associated visa status led to frantic travel arrangements, with some employees paying exorbitant prices for last-minute flights [9][10] - The term "obedience test" was used to describe the situation, highlighting the anxiety and uncertainty faced by H-1B holders regarding their future in the U.S. [5][11] Group 2: H-1B Visa System Challenges - The H-1B visa is characterized by its temporary nature, with a maximum stay of six years, creating a "systemic dilemma" for workers who must secure a green card to remain in the U.S. [20][22] - Changes in U.S. immigration policy have led to increased scrutiny and higher rejection rates for H-1B applications, particularly during the Trump administration [13][14] - The recent announcement of a weighted lottery system prioritizing high-skill, high-salary applicants indicates a trend towards an "elite" immigration system, further limiting opportunities for average international students [27] Group 3: Employee Perspectives - Many employees expressed feelings of being treated as expendable, with a constant fear of job loss and the associated visa implications [11][15][17] - The emotional toll of the situation was evident, with some contemplating returning to their home countries due to the instability of their work status in the U.S. [18][28] - The contrast between life in the U.S. and their home countries has led to a reevaluation of priorities among H-1B holders, with some considering the benefits of returning home [31][34]