Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visa Filings
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation mandating a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B visa petitions. This affects new applications by foreign workers currently outside the U.S. for speciality-occupation roles. The fee aims to curb abuses and protect American workers.
Scope and Exemptions
The requirement applies to H-1B petitioners outside the U.S. unless the petition includes the fee or qualifies for a national-interest exemption. The Department of Homeland Security has been tasked with enforcing the measure for 12 months from the proclamation’s effective date. Employers or petitioners inside the U.S., or those granted exemptions, may be excluded.
Purpose and Justification
The Trump administration says the change is needed to address misuse of the H-1B system, where some employers pay low wages to foreign workers at the expense of U.S. graduates. The proclamation puts emphasis on raising the cost of filing to prioritize American workers and limit entry-level importation of foreign talent. Critics, however, warn of severe impact on tech, academia, and innovation sectors.
Legal Concerns and Industry Reaction
Legal experts say such a drastic fee may face court challenges over whether the President has authority to impose it without explicit Congressional law. Industry groups and tech companies argue the move could raise costs, reduce foreign talent inflows, and damage U.S. competitiveness. Some also express worry about universities and research institutions depending on H-1B visa holders.
