Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Controversy

Trump adds $100,000 fee for high-skilled foreign workers in major visa overhaul

On September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a significant overhaul of the H-1B visa program for high-skilled foreign workers. The new policy imposes an annual $100,000 fee on employers seeking to sponsor H-1B applicants, a substantial increase from the previous $215 registration fee. This move is part of a broader immigration reform package aimed at reducing foreign labor reliance and encouraging companies to hire American workers AP News+1.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the increased fee would compel companies to prioritize hiring domestic talent over foreign workers. He stated, "Either the person is very valuable to the company and America, or they're going to depart and the company is going to hire an American." Additionally, the administration is working on a "Platinum Card" visa, costing $5 million, which would allow foreigners to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income KAWC.

The policy has raised concerns among Indian technology service companies, as many H-1B visa holders are from India. Nasscom, India's IT industry body, warned that the policy could disrupt global operations and hinder ongoing U.S.-based projects for Indian firms. Major U.S.-based companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan, and Amazon have advised H-1B visa holders to stay in or return promptly to the U.S. The fee comes amidst a larger immigration crackdown under President Trump's administration Reuters.

Critics argue that the policy could undermine U.S. competitiveness, particularly in STEM fields, and may incentivize companies to move operations abroad. While Trump's nationalist base supports the move, the tech sector and educational institutions warn of damaging impacts on talent recruitment and innovation