WASHINGTON (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — President Donald J. Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications, marking one of the most sweeping changes to the high-skilled worker program in decades.
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new restrictions on H-1B visa applications. Under the order, new applicants must submit a $100,000 payment with their petitions to protect American jobs and national security. pic.twitter.com/nCfLsFkIII
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Major Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
Under the new order, any petition for an H-1B visa, the primary route for foreign professionals in specialty occupations must now include a $100,000 payment. According to the White House, the surcharge is designed to protect American jobs, curb alleged abuses in the visa system and strengthen national security.
Administration officials have long argued that some employers exploit the H-1B program to undercut U.S. wages and displace American workers. The proclamation represents the first time a set payment of this size has been tied directly to new visa petitions.
Impact on High-Skilled Workers and Employers
Immigration lawyers and tech industry leaders expressed concern about the impact on global talent flows, noting that the additional cost could discourage smaller firms and startups from hiring overseas specialists. Supporters, however, praised the move as a way to rebalance opportunities for U.S. workers and ensure fair competition.
Next Steps and Implementation
The Department of Homeland Security is expected to release implementing regulations in the coming weeks, but the fee will apply immediately to new petitions once the order takes effect. Analysts say the measure underscores the administration’s broader push to tighten immigration rules, raise costs for employers relying on foreign labor and emphasize “Buy American, Hire American” principles heading into the next fiscal year.
