I'm a Canadian who was on an H1B working in the valley for the past 6 years working at Director/VP Eng. level for various technology startups. As you mentioned

I'm a Canadian who was on an H1B working in the valley for the past 6 years working at Director/VP Eng. level for various technology startups. As you mentioned, the message is quite clear. The US is closing its doors. They no longer want immigrants (skilled or otherwise) working or living in their country. Read the comments in the article. Look at the changes coming from the Trump administration. Even while crossing the border you get a sense that you are not welcome there. This year, I gave that up and returned to Canada. It feels great to be back, contributing to the booming local tech scene, and I am so thankful to call this amazing country home.