A major disruption at the US border has forced a top Meta AI researcher to relocate his work abroad. Zifan Wang, who has spent the last seven years studying and working in the US, faced an unexpected denial
of reentry after visiting family in China.
The setback comes despite Wang holding an O-1 visa (a special visa for individuals with extraordinary ability) and a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University. After being denied reentry, Wang announced he would be moving to London to continue his research.
Meta Researcher Relocates To London After Visa Denial
Wang shared his experience on X: “I am moving from SF to London! Looking forward to chatting with people here working on AI and AI safety. When I visited my family and friends in China last month, my O1 visa stamp for re-entrance was denied so it is not possible for me to return to the US immediately after my trip, which was unexpected and crazy. I have been studying and working in the US prob like for 7 years. What is the fastest way to adapt to ‘chips’ and drive on the right side?”
I am moving from SF to London! Looking forward to chatting with people here working on AI and AI safety
Colleagues Welcome The Move
Wang’s decision to relocate has drawn support from his peers.
Miles Turpin from Meta Superintelligence Labs, commented, “We’re going to miss you Sail, but London has gained a great new resident!!”
Dr Alexander D. Kalian, an AI researcher, also offered local opportunities: “There are some cool networking events I could tell you about. Also, if you ever wanna give a small guest lecture at King’s College London, there’s a chance we could arrange it.”
“Hi Zifan! I’m London based. Let’s chat when you’re here. I still say “fries” man,” Douglas Li, former Researcher at Open AI, mentioned.
Even ‘Genius Visa’ Holders Aren’t Safe, Say Users
The situation also ignited a discussion online about the US immigration system.
One user wrote, “So sorry to hear that. Even O1 is not safe for re-entrance?”
Another user remarked, “This is ridiculous, we need robust legal immigration so that the best talent can come to the US. Huge loss.”
“‘Immigrate legally’ is a meaningless phrase when people with valid visas and elite U.S. degrees are still denied entry. You’ll never hear that phrase from someone who went through the system themselves in the last two decades,” someone else remarked.
“Immigration is America’s superpower. It’s voluntarily giving it away,” read another comment.
US Tightens Visa Rules Amid Security Concerns
Wang’s move comes amid broader restrictions in US immigration system. From January 21, immigrant visa processing was paused for nationals from 75 countries though the full list hasn’t been disclosed.
According to the Associated Press, the State Department is also seeking to limit entry for applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits with recent restrictions targeting countries considered security risks including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and several African nations.
