President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation requiring companies to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, a sharp increase that could significantly restrict foreign hiring. The move is part of his administration’s broader crackdown on immigration.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new fee would deter firms from training foreign workers and encourage hiring Americans. “Stop bringing in people to take our jobs, that’s our policy here,” he stated. Critics, however, argue the cost is prohibitive and could face legal challenges. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council said the policy is “almost certainly illegal,” noting Congress authorizes only cost-based fees, not those designed to limit visas.
Trump also unveiled a separate “gold card” pathway for expedited visas, priced at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for corporations. He claimed the program could generate over $100 billion for the Treasury to fund tax cuts and debt reduction. Lutnick added it would ensure the U.S. accepts “only extraordinary people at the very top.”
The H-1B program, established in 1990, provides temporary visas for skilled workers, particularly in tech. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have been major beneficiaries. Annual caps set by Congress limit the number of visas issued.
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