Apple and Google have advised employees on H-1B visas to refrain from traveling outside the United States, citing lengthy delays in obtaining visa appointments at U.S. consulates and embassies. The tech giants, which together employ over 300,000 employees, have issued internal memos warning workers on H-1B visas against leaving the country due to the risk of getting stranded abroad.

According to the memos reviewed by NPR, the delays are attributed to new rules from the Department of Homeland Security requiring travelers to undergo a screening of up to five years' of their social media history. This move has been criticized by free speech advocates as a privacy invasion. The lengthy delays have resulted in some visa applicants waiting for months to schedule appointments.

"We've seen a significant increase in the time it takes to get a visa appointment, and we're advising our employees to stay in the U.S. until the situation improves," said a Google spokesperson. Apple also issued a similar warning to its employees, stating that the company is "monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary."

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as technology and engineering. The program has been a crucial source of talent for the tech industry, with many major companies relying heavily on H-1B visa holders. However, the program has also been a subject of controversy, with some critics arguing that it displaces American workers.

The delays in obtaining visa appointments are not limited to H-1B visa holders. Other visa applicants, including those on F-1 student visas and L-1 work visas, are also facing lengthy delays. The situation has raised concerns among the tech industry, which relies heavily on foreign talent to drive innovation and growth.

The Trump administration's tightening of visa vetting has been a major factor in the delays. The new rules require visa applicants to provide up to five years' of their social media history, which has been criticized as a privacy invasion. The move is part of the administration's efforts to crack down on immigration and national security.

The situation is likely to have a significant impact on the tech industry, which relies heavily on foreign talent to drive innovation and growth. The delays in obtaining visa appointments could lead to a shortage of skilled workers, which could have a ripple effect on the entire industry.

As the situation continues to unfold, Apple and Google are advising their employees to stay in the U.S. until the situation improves. The companies are also working with the U.S. government to address the issue and find a solution. The outcome of the situation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the tech industry is facing a major challenge in attracting and retaining foreign talent.