Trump Slaps $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas in Shocking Immigration Shake-Up
Image via The Indian Express
September 19, 2025 — In a move that stunned the business and tech world, President Donald Trump announced a new rule that raises the cost of H-1B visas to $100,000 per year. The change is part of a massive immigration overhaul signed on Friday, September 19, 2025. It is one of the boldest steps yet in his second term, targeting skilled foreign workers and the companies that hire them.
The new rule will begin on September 21, 2025. It applies to companies who want to bring skilled workers from outside the United States on H-1B visas. This means that a company must now pay $100,000 each year for each visa if they want to hire or keep an H-1B worker. The policy covers not only new applications but also many cases of renewals and transfers when the worker is outside the country.
What Is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas in the United States. It allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations,” usually in fields like technology, engineering, health care, and science. Every year, thousands of skilled workers from countries such as India and China apply through a lottery system.
Until now, the main costs of the visa were filing fees and legal expenses, often adding up to a few thousand dollars per applicant. But with Trump’s new policy, the price tag has skyrocketed. A single visa could now cost a company more than the yearly salary of some entry-level employees.
Why Did Trump Do This?
According to the White House, the change is designed to protect American jobs. Trump and his advisors say that companies often use H-1B visas to bring in cheaper labor instead of hiring U.S. workers. They argue that this practice keeps wages low and reduces opportunities for Americans.
In his proclamation, Trump stated that the U.S. must “put American workers first” and prevent the “misuse of visa programs.” Officials also claim that some companies have abused the system by hiring H-1B workers for lower-skilled roles rather than high-skill, specialized positions.
The administration has also tied this move to national security and economic independence. By raising the costs so high, they hope to push companies to carefully consider whether they truly need to hire workers from abroad.
Impact on Businesses
The impact on U.S. businesses is expected to be huge. Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple are some of the largest users of H-1B visas. These companies hire thousands of foreign engineers and software developers each year.
For big corporations with billions in revenue, paying $100,000 per visa may be expensive but still possible. However, for smaller firms and startups, the new fee may be a deal-breaker. Many small companies depend on H-1B workers to fill critical roles that are hard to hire domestically. For them, the cost may be too much, leading to hiring freezes or shifts to offices abroad.
Industry experts warn that this policy could push companies to move jobs overseas instead of bringing workers to the U.S. If hiring talent becomes too costly in America, businesses might prefer to expand in India, China, or Europe.
Impact on Workers
For foreign workers, especially those from India, this decision is deeply worrying. Indians make up the largest share of H-1B holders, often working in IT services, engineering, and research. With the new cost, many companies may decide not to file applications for them.
Workers already in the U.S. may also face uncertainty if their employer decides not to pay the renewed fees. This could lead to layoffs, relocation, or pressure to return home. Families who have built lives in the U.S. fear that their future is now at risk.
Immigration lawyers believe the rule will discourage many talented professionals from even applying to U.S. jobs. Skilled workers might instead choose countries like Canada, Australia, or Germany, which have more friendly immigration systems.
Legal Questions
There are already signs of possible legal battles. Critics argue that such a high fee is essentially a ban in disguise, making it harder for foreign workers to enter the country. Some experts say Congress, not the president, should have the authority to set visa fees at such extreme levels.
Civil rights and immigration groups are preparing lawsuits, claiming the new policy discriminates against immigrants and harms industries that depend on global talent. Courts may soon be asked to decide whether Trump’s action goes beyond his legal powers.
Other Parts of the Overhaul
The $100,000 H-1B fee is not the only change. Trump also announced new “premium” visa programs. Under the so-called Gold Card Visa, wealthy applicants can pay $1 million for a fast-track path to U.S. residency. A Platinum Card Visa at an even higher price is also being discussed.
At the same time, the Department of Labor will raise wage requirements for H-1B workers. This means companies will have to pay higher salaries to foreign hires in addition to the new visa fee.
These moves show a clear direction: Trump wants to make it harder and more costly to hire foreign workers unless they bring extreme wealth or top-level skills.
Reactions
The reactions have been swift and divided.
- Supporters: Many of Trump’s supporters cheer the decision. They believe it will force companies to hire more Americans and stop what they see as abuse of the system. Some U.S. workers have long argued that H-1B programs push down wages and reduce opportunities.
- Opponents: Business leaders, especially in the tech industry, are alarmed. They argue that America’s growth depends on global talent. They say the fee will harm innovation, slow down projects, and make the U.S. less competitive worldwide.
Immigration advocates warn that the U.S. risks losing some of the world’s best and brightest minds. They fear this will damage the country’s reputation as a land of opportunity.
What Comes Next
The coming months will be critical. Companies are now reviewing their immigration budgets and strategies. Many will reduce or cancel visa applications. Others may challenge the rule in court.
Congress could also step in. While Trump has wide powers on immigration, lawmakers may try to block or revise parts of this policy if pressure grows.
For workers, the uncertainty is painful. Thousands of families are unsure if they can stay, work, or plan their futures in the U.S. The situation may spark new debates about America’s role in the global economy and the balance between protecting U.S. jobs and welcoming talent from abroad.
Conclusion
The decision to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000 per year marks a historic shift in U.S. immigration policy. It reflects Trump’s hard-line stance on protecting American jobs but also risks creating turmoil in industries that depend on foreign talent.
For businesses, workers, and families, the stakes are enormous. Some see it as a chance to restore fairness to the job market. Others see it as shutting the door on the very people who helped build Silicon Valley and power America’s global leadership in technology.
The debate is just beginning, but one thing is clear: this change will reshape the future of U.S. immigration, business, and innovation for years to come.
Do you want me to also make a shorter, newspaper-style version (around 400 words) that feels like a quick news read for the general public?