President Donald Trump has announced a new rule requiring companies to pay 100000 annually for each H1B visa. The decision is meant to curb reliance on foreign workers and push firms to hire Americans first.
The Oval Office statement also introduced a gold card pathway. Under this option foreign professionals can pay 1 million while companies can spend 2 million to speed up a visa process.
Impact on Tech and Business
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the 100000 fee could be collected yearly or in one lump sum. He argued this will limit misuse of the program and ensure companies only bring in highly skilled workers.
Critics warn the move will deeply affect industries like technology which depend heavily on H1B talent. With 85000 visas already capped each year experts say costs this high could cut the number of applications.
The H1B program which allows three years of work with possible renewal has long divided opinion. Supporters credit it with driving innovation while opponents claim it replaces American jobs with cheaper foreign labor.
Trumps stance on H1B has shifted. He has both restricted and supported the program in the past often tying it to broader debates on immigration and economic growth.
The gold and platinum card visas target wealthy immigrants offering fast entry in exchange for large fees. Immigration advocates say the plan tilts the system in favor of the rich and will likely face legal challenges.
