In a significant move aimed at reshaping immigration policy, the Trump administration has announced a proposed $100,000 fee for applicants seeking H-1B visas, a program designed to bring skilled foreign workers into the U.S. economy. This new policy, intended to curb perceived “abuse” of the system and prioritize American workers, has drawn varied reactions from the business community and immigration experts.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated the intention behind the fee is to encourage companies to invest in training American graduates. “Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs,” he remarked, emphasizing a desire to bolster the domestic workforce.
The H-1B visa program, which has an annual cap of 85,000 applications, has historically been a crucial pathway for skilled professionals, particularly in the tech industry. Companies like Amazon, Tata, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google have been major beneficiaries in recent years.
However, immigration attorneys express concern that the substantial fee could severely impact small businesses and startups. Tahmina Watson, an immigration lawyer, fears the new fee will “price out” many companies, potentially hindering their ability to find specialized talent. She noted that many businesses genuinely struggle to fill positions with domestic candidates, making the H-1B program essential for their growth.
Similarly, Jorge Lopez, an immigration law expert, warned that such a fee could negatively affect American competitiveness, especially within the tech sector. He suggested that some businesses might consider relocating operations abroad to mitigate costs, although this presents its own set of challenges.
The H-1B visa debate has been a point of contention within political circles, with differing views on its impact on the U.S. job market. While President Trump himself has acknowledged the complexity of the issue, his administration’s recent actions signal a stronger stance on prioritizing domestic employment.
This policy shift follows earlier efforts by the Trump administration to increase scrutiny on H-1B applications, leading to a rise in rejection rates. The potential restrictions also raise concerns in countries like India, a primary source of H-1B visa applicants.