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

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.”

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.