Trump Administration Introduces New Fees and Changes for H-1B Visa Program

Strategic Insights -

The US President, Donald Trump, has signed a proclamation introducing a new annual fee of US$100,000 for H-1B visa applications, along with other changes to the program for highly skilled foreign workers. The move has come under scrutiny by the administration, with concerns that the program has become a pipeline for overseas workers who are willing to work for lower salaries. The changes aim to ensure that companies use the H-1B program to bring in the best and brightest foreigners for high-skilled jobs that are difficult to fill with qualified US citizens and permanent residents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new annual fee for H-1B visa applications will be US$100,000, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
  • The fee will be applied to all big companies, as per Mr. Lutnick's statement.
  • The H-1B program was meant to bring in highly skilled foreign workers for high-paying jobs, but it has turned into a pipeline for overseas workers who are willing to work for lower salaries.
  • The Trump administration claims that the tech industry will be happy with the changes, but representatives from major tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, did not immediately respond to messages for comment.
  • A new "gold card" visa, the "Trump Gold Card," will be introduced with a potential pathway to US citizenship. The "Trump Gold Card" will be available for a processing fee and a US$1-million contribution after vetting. For companies, it will cost US$2-million.
  • The changes aim to ensure that companies use the H-1B program to bring in highly skilled foreign workers for high-paying jobs, rather than using it as a cheap labor source.

Statistics:

  • The new annual fee for H-1B visa applications is US$100,000.
  • The H-1B program allows for 85,000 new visas per year, with 20,000 reserved for students with advanced degrees from US universities.
  • The average salary for US technology workers is over US$100,000, while foreign workers in the H-1B program often earn salaries as low as US$60,000.
  • The Trump administration claims that the changes will help to ensure that companies use the H-1B program to bring in the best and brightest foreigners.
  • The "Trump Gold Card" will cost US$1-million for individuals and US$2-million for companies.

Sources:

  • Associated Press Washington - (no date)
  • "US President Trump Signs New Immigration Measures to Boost American Workers"
  • (no further details available)
  • According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
  • According to US President Donald Trump