URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just signed a controversial proclamation imposing a staggering $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, significantly increasing costs for highly-skilled foreign workers. This move, announced on Friday, also introduces a new $1 million “gold card” visa aimed at wealthy individuals seeking a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
These sweeping changes are expected to face immediate legal challenges as critics argue that Trump is bypassing Congress. If upheld, the new fees will dramatically impact the landscape for skilled workers in the United States. Currently, the H-1B visa fee is just $215, marking an astronomical increase that has left many industry leaders and advocates in shock.
The new regulations will also affect investor visas, which will see their fees surge from $10,000-$20,000 annually. H-1B visas are designed for positions requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, often in sectors like technology where American companies struggle to find qualified candidates. However, opponents of the program contend that it allows foreign workers to accept salaries as low as $60,000, which undercuts the typical salaries of over $100,000 paid to U.S. tech workers.
This latest directive from the Trump administration raises significant concerns about the future of the technology workforce in the U.S. Many fear that these soaring fees could deter essential talent from entering the country, further exacerbating existing labor shortages.
As this situation unfolds, stakeholders across the tech industry are gearing up for a legal battle. Business leaders are calling for immediate clarity on the implications of these new fees and the potential impact on their operations.
Stay tuned for more updates as developments continue to emerge regarding this critical issue. The ramifications of these changes could reshape the U.S. job market and the nation’s approach to immigration.