Trump Administration Imposes $100,000-Per-Year Fee on H-1B Visas
In a move that could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, President Donald Trump signed an executive order adding a $100,000-per-year fee to H-1B visa applications. The new requirement, which will only apply to new visa applicants, is set to take effect immediately.
According to a White House official, companies will be required to pay the $100,000 fee for each employee they bring over to the US on an H-1B visa for up to six years. The Secretary of Homeland Security has also announced that approval for visa applications from individuals currently outside the United States will only be granted if accompanied by the fee, although case-by-case exemptions may be made in instances deemed to be in the national interest.
The new requirement is expected to face significant legal challenges, with many experts predicting a lengthy and costly battle. "This is a clear attempt to restrict access to skilled workers from abroad," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. "It's a misguided policy that will only serve to harm American businesses and the economy as a whole."
The H-1B visa program has long been a contentious issue in the US, with proponents arguing that it is necessary to fill skills gaps in key industries such as tech. According to data from the US Citizen and Immigration Services, Amazon holds the largest number of H-1B workers, with over 10,000 employees on the visa. Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google also rank among the top ten employers using the program.
The new fee is expected to have a significant impact on companies that rely heavily on foreign talent. "This will be a major blow to our industry," said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft. "We need access to the best and brightest from around the world to remain competitive."
As the tech industry grapples with the implications of this new requirement, many are left wondering what the future holds for companies that rely on H-1B workers. With the rule set to take effect immediately, it remains to be seen how companies will adapt to the new fee and whether they will be able to continue to attract top talent from abroad.
Background:
The H-1B visa program was established in 1990 as a way for US employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills. The program has long been criticized for its perceived favoritism towards large corporations, with many arguing that it is necessary to protect American jobs and wages.
Additional Perspectives:
Some experts argue that the new fee will actually benefit companies by allowing them to recoup some of the costs associated with hiring foreign workers. "This is a small price to pay for access to top talent," said one industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous.
Others are more skeptical, arguing that the new requirement will only serve to drive up costs and make it even harder for companies to attract skilled workers from abroad. "This is a short-sighted policy that will ultimately harm American businesses and the economy as a whole," said Krikorian.
Current Status:
The new rule is set to take effect immediately, with the Secretary of Homeland Security expected to begin enforcing the requirement within the next few weeks. Companies are already bracing themselves for the impact, with many predicting significant costs and disruptions in the coming months.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of the H-1B visa program has never been more uncertain.
*Reporting by Engadget.*
