Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new executive action that could reshape America’s immigration system, particularly the widely used H-1B visa programme. On Friday, Trump announced a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, in what his administration described as a move to limit overuse of the programme and prioritise American workers.
What is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialised fields such as technology, medicine, and engineering. Key details include:
Valid for three years, with the option to renew for another three years.
Annually, 65,000 visas are issued, with 20,000 extra visas reserved for holders of advanced U.S. degrees.
The programme is most commonly associated with the technology sector, where firms rely heavily on overseas talent.
Economists argue the scheme boosts competitiveness, helping companies grow and create more American jobs. However, critics claim it undercuts U.S. workers and wages.
Trump’s New $100,000 Fee
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the new fee structure would ensure only “great workers” are hired. Under the plan:
Employers must pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B visa, or a total of $300,000 upfront for the three-year duration.
Additional vetting costs will apply, although details are still being finalised with the Department of Homeland Security.
Without this payment, entry under the H-1B visa will be restricted.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that companies were consulted before arriving at the $100,000 figure.
The “Gold Card” Immigration Pathway
Alongside the H-1B changes, Trump also unveiled a new “gold card” immigration scheme. This policy aims to fast-track entry for wealthy individuals and high-value foreign workers.
Foreigners can pay $1 million to secure a gold card visa.
Employers sponsoring a worker can pay $2 million to speed up the process.
The scheme is designed to attract “extraordinary people at the very top,” according to Lutnick, who criticised the current green card system for admitting what he called the “bottom quartile” of foreign workers.
A Divisive Policy
Trump’s stance on the H-1B programme has shifted several times over the years:
2016 campaign – He accused U.S. companies of abusing the visa system to replace American workers at lower wages.
During presidency – Trump repeatedly restricted H-1B access, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of his broader crackdown on immigration.
2024 campaign – He expressed openness to granting legal status to foreign-born graduates of U.S. universities.
December 2024 – Told the New York Post he was “a believer in H-1B,” highlighting its role in U.S. growth.
This inconsistency has divided his supporters, with some backing his focus on U.S. workers while others, including influential figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, defended the programme as vital for innovation.
Impact on U.S. Industries
The latest move could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the tech sector.
Tech companies say H-1B visas are essential for hiring highly skilled talent that is scarce in the domestic market.
Industries reliant on skilled labour, including healthcare and research, may face major challenges in recruitment.
Start-ups and smaller firms may struggle to pay the steep new fees, giving larger corporations an advantage.
Economists warn that while the policy may protect some American jobs, it could also reduce U.S. competitiveness on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee and the gold card system marks another step in Trump’s long-running effort to reshape U.S. immigration. Supporters argue it will protect American workers and attract high-value immigrants. Critics, however, say it risks shutting out talented professionals and damaging industries that fuel U.S. economic growth.
As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: Trump’s immigration policies continue to spark strong reactions, with the H-1B visa programme once again at the centre of America’s political and economic crossroads.
References:
New York Post interview with Donald Trump (Dec 2024)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy outlines
Official remarks by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (Sept 2025)
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