Trump's H-1B Overhaul: $100K Fee Hits Foreign Tech Workers Amid US Job Market Shift

Trump's H-1B Shift: A Bold Reform to Power U.S. Workers and Immigrant Dreamers In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, President Trump's administration has introduced a significant overhaul of the H-1B visa program, imposing a $100,000 filing fee on foreign workers seeking to enter the United States. The decision, announced earlier this month, marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy and is expected to have far-reaching implications for both domestic workers and immigrant communities. According to sources within the administration, the new fees are designed to deter companies from exploiting the H-1B program as a means of importing cheap labor. "This isn't about shutting doors," said a senior White House official. "It's about raising the bar. America wants the best, not the cheapest." The H-1B visa program, which allows foreign workers with specialized skills to enter the United States for temporary work, has long been criticized for its potential for abuse. Critics argue that companies use the program as a means of importing cheap labor, rather than investing in training and developing domestic talent. Harry Singh, a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur and Sikh immigrant, praised the move, saying: "America just told the world's governments: stop shipping us your best and brightest. Make your own country great again!" Singh, who founded SecureX.AI, a cybersecurity firm, believes that the new fees will help to level the playing field for U.S. workers. The H-1B program has been a contentious issue in recent years, with many arguing that it favors foreign workers over domestic talent. The new fees are expected to have a significant impact on companies that rely heavily on H-1B visas, including tech giants such as Google and Microsoft. Background: The H-1B visa program was established in 1990 to allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills for temporary work. The program has grown significantly over the years, with the number of visas issued increasing from just over 100,000 in 2000 to more than 300,000 in 2015. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse, including companies using H-1B workers as a means of importing cheap labor. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of companies exploiting the program, leading to calls for reform. Additional Perspectives: While some have welcomed the move as a necessary step towards protecting U.S. workers, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on immigrant communities. "This is a protectionist measure that will harm immigrant families and communities," said Rachel Rosenblum, executive director of the Immigrant Defense Network. Current Status and Next Developments: The new fees are expected to take effect in the coming months, with companies required to pay $100,000 for each H-1B visa application. The move is likely to have a significant impact on the tech industry, with many companies already announcing plans to reduce their reliance on H-1B visas. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Trump's H-1B shift marks a major turning point in U.S. immigration policy and will have far-reaching implications for both domestic workers and immigrant communities. *Reporting by Fortune.*