H-1B visa crackdown called shockingly anti-business move
Trump signed a proclamation last week targeting H-1B visas, introducing a hefty $100,000 application fee for every new petition, a move sparking widespread concern among businesses and immigration experts.
H-1B Visa Crackdown Sparks Fear of Anti-Business Climate in U.S.
Washington: The Trump administration’s recent moves to restrict H-1B visas have triggered strong criticism from immigration experts, business leaders, and academics, many of whom believe that the United States is risking its long-held reputation as the top destination for global talent.
Sarah Pierce, Director of Social Policy at Third Way, a Washington-based think tank, described the administration’s approach as a “shockingly anti-business stance.” In an exclusive interview with IANS, she argued that the current policies are creating a climate where the United States is no longer attractive to international students or foreign professionals.
“Everything that the Trump administration is doing is causing foreign talent to leave the United States,” Pierce said. “They have gone after international students, they have made work visas more difficult, and they are making the U.S. increasingly unattractive to the very people who have historically contributed to American innovation and growth.”
The $100,000 Fee ControversyOne of the most controversial steps has been the announcement of a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B application. The proclamation, signed last week by President Trump, was framed as a way to “incentivize” companies to hire American workers.
But immigration experts warn that the fee could devastate U.S. companies, especially startups and mid-sized firms that rely heavily on international workers. “The $100,000 fee is just shocking on its face,” Pierce noted. “I am very sure it will be challenged in court. These are absurdly high barriers for a program that is vital to many U.S. employers.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also proposed amending existing H-1B regulations, making the process more cumbersome. Business owners worry this combination of fees and red tape will deter highly skilled professionals from choosing the U.S. at all.
Ripple Effect on UniversitiesThe administration’s stance does not only impact employers but also American universities. Foreign students often pay full tuition and additional fees, which subsidize scholarships for U.S. citizens. With fewer international students enrolling, universities could face serious funding gaps.
“U.S. universities are hugely dependent on revenue from international students,” Pierce explained. “That money doesn’t just help the institutions, it directly benefits American students who rely on financial aid. If we continue pushing these students away, it’s going to hurt U.S. citizens as well.”
Business Climate Under StrainPierce also highlighted the contradiction in Trump’s policies: on one hand, the administration wants to bring manufacturing back to the United States; on the other, it is limiting the flow of high-skilled immigrants who make those industries competitive.
“This administration’s approach to immigration is in direct conflict with its economic goals,” she said. “If you’re attacking the ability of high-skilled immigrants to come to the U.S., you’re also discouraging companies that may want to set up operations here. It’s short-sighted and harmful.”
Business leaders have echoed these concerns. The technology sector, in particular, relies on foreign talent, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, software engineering, and biotechnology. Yet, despite the impact, most large companies have been publicly quiet.
Why the Silence?According to Pierce, the silence from big corporations is not due to indifference but fear. “One of the most frightening things about this administration is how scared they have made corporations and businesses in the United States,” she said. “We are in a very scary moment in American politics, and it’s because of that fear that we’re not seeing much pushback.”
Companies worry that openly criticizing immigration policies could invite political retaliation. The result is a muted response, even as the policies threaten their long-term ability to compete globally.
Broader ImplicationsThe impact of these changes stretches beyond businesses and universities. America’s reputation as a land of opportunity is also at stake. For decades, skilled professionals from countries like India and China have flocked to the United States, enriching its economy and culture. Many of the world’s top companies — including Google, Microsoft, and Tesla — were either founded by immigrants or led by them.
By discouraging the next wave of talent, critics argue, the U.S. is jeopardizing its future leadership in technology and innovation. Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany are already moving to attract the very professionals who feel unwelcome in America.
Looking AheadWhether the $100,000 fee survives legal challenges remains to be seen. But even the announcement has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities and business circles. For many, it represents not just a policy shift but a deeper change in the way America sees itself.
“The United States has always prided itself on being a magnet for talent,” Pierce concluded. “But right now, everything about this administration’s immigration policies sends the opposite message. Instead of welcoming talent, we’re pushing it away. And that’s not just bad for immigrants — it’s bad for America.”
At a time when global competition for skilled workers is intensifying, many fear that the U.S. is moving in the wrong direction. For now, the future of the H-1B program — and America’s role as the world’s innovation hub — hangs in the balance.