President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to introduce a $100,000 fee for applications to the H-1B visa program, which is intended to bring skilled foreign workers into certain industries. The proclamation references “abuse” of the program and will require payment in order for entry. Critics of the program argue that H-1Bs are detrimental to the American workforce, while supporters, such as billionaire Elon Musk, claim that it enables the United States to attract top talent worldwide.
In another decree, Trump established a new “gold card” visa system that will expedite visas for specific immigrants in exchange for fees starting at £1 million. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Trump in the Oval Office and stated that major corporations are in agreement with the new $100,000 fee for H1-B visas, adding, “Train Americans, stop bringing people to take our jobs.”
Since 2004, the number of H-1B applications has been limited to 85,000 annually. Thus far, H-1B visas have had administrative fees totaling approximately $1,500. There has been a decline in H-1B visa applications for the next fiscal year, to around 359,000, marking a four-year low.
Watson Immigration Law’s founding attorney, Tahmina Watson, expressed concern about the new ruling, asserting that it could devastate many of her clients, who are primarily small businesses and startups. The new $100,000 fee will make it difficult for many companies to pay, and many “struggle to find workers to do the job.”
Littler Mendelson PC’s immigration and global mobility practice group’s chair, Jorge Lopez, stated that a $100,000 fee would hinder American competitiveness in the tech sector and other industries. It may force companies to establish operations outside of the United States, although this can be difficult in practice.
Critics of the H-1B program have argued against its implementation. Meanwhile, supporters argue for its benefits.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2zk4l8g26o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
