President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation introducing a new annual $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy targeting highly skilled foreign workers. Key Highlights from the Policy Change - Fee Introduction: A $100,000 annual fee will now be required for H-1B visa applications. - Purpose of H-1B: Originally designed to bring in highly skilled workers for roles U.S. companies struggle to fill domestically, especially in STEM fields. Criticism of the Program - Critics argue it has become a pipeline for lower-wage foreign labor. - Many visas go to entry-level roles, not specialized positions. - Consulting firms often use the program to contract out workers at lower costs. Lottery Reform USCIS has cracked down on multiple applications per candidate to reduce fraud, limiting each applicant to one lottery entry regardless of job offers. Industry Impact Major tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are among the top recipients of H-1B visas. Trump claims the tech industry will support the fee, though reactions are mixed. Broader Implications This move could reshape how companies approach international hiring, potentially favoring firms that can afford the higher costs. Labor advocates are pushing for further reforms, such as awarding visas based on wage levels rather than random selection.
© Travel Media. All Rights Reserved. Privacy
