Trump Targets Tech Talent with H-1B Fee Hike
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that companies sponsoring H-1B visas will now be required to pay an annual fee of $100,000 per worker. The decision, issued on Friday, has sparked concern among thousands of foreign professionals working in the United States. Companies heavily reliant on skilled workers from countries such as India and China have warned that the move could deliver a significant blow to their operations, according to Reuters.
Multinational corporations including Microsoft, JP Morgan, and Amazon have advised their employees to remain within the United States and to avoid international travel for the time being. The new regulation is set to take effect from midnight on Saturday.
Critics argue that allowing foreign workers through the H-1B visa program can harm the domestic labor market. Supporters, however, contend that the program helps the United States attract world-class talent. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also expressed support for the initiative.
Analysts have cautioned that the additional fee could discourage global talent from coming to the United States, potentially undermining innovation and economic growth.
