In a notable development, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have offered a nuanced, cautious commendation for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to implement a substantial $100,000 fee for future H-1B visas designated for international skilled workers. Their statements, while acknowledging the policy, simultaneously underscored the vital role of immigration.
During a CNBC interview, Mr. Huang expressed, “We want all the brightest minds to come to the U.S. and remember immigration is the foundation of the American Dream.” However, he then added a surprising twist, stating he was “glad to see President Trump making the moves he’s making,” regarding the visa changes.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Mr. Altman concurred that attracting the “smartest people” to the country is paramount. He further elaborated on his view, suggesting that “outlining financial incentives seems good to me,” implying a potential benefit to the increased visa cost.
These comments arrive amidst significant corporate news: Nvidia recently committed to investing an impressive $100 billion in OpenAI. This progressive investment will support OpenAI’s ambitious plans to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of NVIDIA systems, forming the backbone of its advanced AI infrastructure.
The White House’s announcement of the substantial H-1B visa fee, which primarily affects highly skilled professionals from nations like India and China, has, predictably, ignited widespread concern globally. The news triggered strong emotional responses from Indian professionals residing in the U.S., international students pursuing career opportunities, and Indian citizens aspiring to work for American firms. It’s important to note that the full specifics of this new visa policy are still pending official confirmation.