Sorry but that is completely incorrect, it is only an issue at freight carriers because the crews could potentially have access to freight in flight, it doesn't apply to any other carrier. I know several pilots that have been abroad for years and have now gotten jobs with several of the majors in the US. And no, these are NOT guys coming back from furlough.

I was at a job abroad back when I got hired the first and second time at a major and it wasn't an issue.