President Donald Trump has initiated a dramatic restructuring of the H-1B visa program, announcing on Thursday a new $100,000 fee for visa applications. The decision is positioned as a protective measure for American workers against the displacement by foreign labor, particularly in high-skilled job sectors. This policy change, which could be implemented as early as Friday, represents one of the most substantial shifts in immigration policy in recent decades.
The H-1B visa, designed for "high-skilled" immigrants, has been a subject of contention, with allegations that it permits companies to employ foreign workers at lower wages than their American counterparts. Critics have highlighted instances where visas were issued for roles that do not align with the program's high-skill criteria, such as cashier positions, assistant track coach jobs, and entry-level accounting. Notably, Wake Forest University has been reported to seek foreign workers for several such positions.
Under the current system, H-1B application costs range from $1,700 to $4,500, depending on the urgency of processing. The proposed fee hike to $100,000 is set to significantly elevate the barrier for entry and complicate visa renewals for existing holders. The visas, which are issued for an initial period of up to three years with the option for extension up to a maximum of six years, have been especially advantageous for tech companies. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Amazon topped the list of H-1B visa recipients.
To be eligible for the visa, applicants are required to possess at least a bachelor's degree and secure a job offer from a U.S. firm, as reported by Trending Politics. In addition to the new fee, Labor Secretary Chavez DeRemer is slated to commence a rule-making process to revise wage levels for H-1B visa holders, ensuring that the salaries offered by companies are on par with or exceed the prevailing wage for similarly qualified U.S. workers.
Supporters of the overhaul argue that it will prevent the exploitation of the program and guarantee that American workers are given priority for jobs that demand highly skilled expertise. Conversely, opponents contend that the fee is prohibitively high and could dissuade international talent from contributing to U.S. industries, potentially stifling innovation in key sectors.
In his statement, Trump described the overhaul as a continuation of his broader effort to defend U.S. jobs and prevent companies from substituting domestic workers with less expensive foreign labor. "The H-1B program has been abused for too long," he stated. "This overhaul ensures American workers are treated fairly while still allowing true high-skilled talent to enter our economy."
The changes signal a new era of strictness for foreign workers and increased scrutiny for U.S. employers seeking to hire from abroad. The official Twitter account of Rapid Response 47 shared an image of the President signing the proclamation with the caption, "AMERICA FIRST!"
