Trump Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas
What the Policy Means
As reported by CNN, the new proclamation introduces a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa, in addition to existing filing costs. Employers must pay for both new applications and renewals.
Rationale Behind the Move
According to Yahoo Finance, the administration argues that the fee discourages overuse of the program and ensures firms prioritize U.S. workers. Officials claim it will reduce reliance on H-1B visas for mid-level roles and promote higher wages.
Industry and Legal Reactions
BBC News highlights strong backlash from the tech sector, which relies heavily on H-1B visas for engineering and IT talent. Critics warn the policy may drive skilled workers to Canada, Europe, and India. Legal experts also question whether the president has authority to impose such a high fee without congressional approval.
What Comes Next
Key details, including implementation timelines, exemptions for universities or nonprofits, and potential lawsuits, are expected in the coming weeks. Observers predict that companies may lobby Congress or challenge the proclamation in court.