My two cents.
Your boss would not give you a bad review if he or she truly value your work
(or you for that matter). And if your work is not valued, your future in
the company is pretty much in doubt, at least with this current boss. Any
future compensation adjustment, bonus, promotion, and green card application
would all be negatively affected. And in all likelihood, in the event of
any layoffs, you would be the first to go. Don't be too naive to think this
is just one time thing and can be changed. It could, but you have such
a big hurdle to overcome that it would almost worth it more to channel your
efforts for a fresh start somewhere else.
Performance review is never objective. It may be just your boss's impression
and totally up to his/her opinion and prerogative -- justified or not.
Once done, it's very difficult to change. Don't let the sweet or
conciliatory talk blindside you. Think of it from your boss's perspective.
By the way, HR's job is not to make you happy. Their job is to protect the
company from lawsuit.
From 一个过来人
