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Emigration and immigration

Trump Administration Introduces $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee and 'Gold Card' Program

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President Donald Trump announced the introduction of a $100,000-a-year fee for H-1B visas given to skilled foreign workers, a significant overhaul of the US visa system, on Friday. The fee, aimed at discouraging companies from hiring lower-wage international workers, is likely to face legal challenges. The administration also introduced the 'gold card' program, a high-cost expedited visa program that will cost $1 million per individual or $2 million per corporation. This move is part of the administration's efforts to crack down on all forms of immigration.

The H-1B fee is expected to significantly affect various industries, including technology and finance, which rely heavily on these visas. Hospitals and universities also make ample use of them. The new fee could substantially change the nature of the country's workforce, as companies may struggle to fill jobs. As of June, Amazon had over 10,000 workers using H-1B visas, the most of any company.

Administration officials downplayed concerns about the $100,000 fee, arguing it would help American workers' wages by discouraging companies from hiring lower-wage international workers. However, critics, including former senior officials in the Trump and Biden administrations, have questioned the legality of the policy, arguing it is a protection money scheme.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration has introduced a $100,000-a-year fee for H-1B visas given to skilled foreign workers.
  • The 'gold card' program, a high-cost expedited visa program, will cost $1 million per individual or $2 million per corporation.
  • The new fee is aimed at discouraging companies from hiring lower-wage international workers.
  • The H-1B fee is likely to face legal challenges.
  • The new policy could substantially affect various industries, including technology and finance, which heavily rely on H-1B visas.
  • Hospitals and universities also heavily use H-1B visas.
  • Amazon had over 10,000 workers using H-1B visas as of June, the most of any company.
  • Administration officials argue that the new fee will help American workers' wages by discouraging lower-wage international workers.
  • Critics, including former senior officials in the Trump and Biden administrations, have questioned the legality of the policy.

Statistics:

  • 85,000 new visas are annually provided to hire high-skilled foreign workers through the H-1B lottery process (Government data).
  • The new H-1B fee is $100,000 per year, per worker (White House officials).
  • The new 'gold card' program will cost $1 million per individual or $2 million per corporation (White House officials).
  • Amazon had over 10,000 workers using H-1B visas as of June (Government data).
  • The H-1B visa program is used by various industries, including technology and finance, hospitals, and universities.

Sources:

  • Trump Administration officials
  • White House officials
  • Government data
  • Former senior officials in the Trump and Biden administrations, including Doug Rand and Tom Jawetz
  • Bloomberg, 2023 (cited by Administration officials for the $100,000 H-1B visa fee)
  • Pew Research Center, June 2023 (cited by Administration officials for the number of H-1B visas)

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