Trump hikes H1-B visa fee, Indian tech workers hit
The Trump administration defended the \$100,000 H1-B visa fee hike, saying it ensures only genuinely “highly skilled” professionals enter the U.S. The move aims to protect American jobs by preventing foreign workers from replacing domestic employees.
Trump Hikes H1-B Visa Fee to \$100,000, Indian Tech Workers Face Uncertainty
New York: In a dramatic move that could have sweeping consequences for Indian professionals working in the United States, President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation raising the annual fee for H1-B visas to an unprecedented USD 100,000. The announcement marks the latest step in his administration’s crackdown on immigration, with a particular focus on employment-based programs.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf described the H1-B non-immigrant visa system as one of the “most abused” elements of America’s immigration framework. He argued that the program, initially intended to allow highly skilled workers into the U.S. for jobs Americans traditionally avoided, had over the years morphed into a pathway for large corporations to cut costs by hiring foreign workers in bulk.
**Fee aimed at ‘actually highly skilled’ professionals**President Trump defended the massive fee hike by insisting it would ensure that only “actually very highly skilled” individuals are brought into the country, not workers who could simply replace Americans. He emphasized that the new structure will push companies to think carefully before sponsoring foreign workers and will encourage them instead to train graduates from American universities.
“This isn’t about shutting doors,” Trump said. “It’s about making sure that if someone is coming here, they are truly extraordinary and irreplaceable. And when companies pay this fee, they’re going to value those people even more.”
The administration insists the measure is aimed at protecting American jobs while still leaving the door open for “top talent” to enter the U.S. under stricter, more expensive conditions.
**Revenue to cut taxes and pay debt**Trump also revealed that the billions of dollars expected to be raised from the increased visa fees will be funneled into cutting taxes and paying down national debt.
Howard Lutnick, a key Trump ally, added that tech companies were broadly supportive of the policy. “They understand it’s just not economic to train foreign workers when you can train Americans instead. The President’s message is clear: stop bringing in people to take our jobs. Hire Americans first.”
**The ‘Gold Card’ program**Alongside the visa fee hike, Trump unveiled a new initiative called “The Gold Card.” This program offers an expedited visa and a path to a Green Card for foreigners of extraordinary ability — but at a steep price. Individuals willing to pay USD 1 million directly to the U.S. Treasury, or USD 2 million through corporate sponsorship, will gain priority immigration benefits.
Trump argued that this premium pathway will allow America to attract “people of great expertise” while simultaneously generating “hundreds of billions of dollars” for the government. “It’s going to be fantastic,” he said.
**Impact on renewals and existing workers**When asked whether the \$100,000 fee would apply to renewals as well as new applicants, Lutnick clarified that it covers both. Companies must now decide whether an employee is valuable enough to justify paying up to \$600,000 over the maximum six-year H1-B period.
“Either that worker is worth it, or the company should hire an American,” Lutnick stressed. “The President is crystal clear: only the most valuable people should come to America. No more nonsense.”
For Indian tech workers, who make up a majority of H1-B holders, the change is nothing short of alarming. While some may qualify under the “extraordinary ability” criteria or find firms willing to shoulder the steep cost, thousands more could face the difficult choice of leaving their jobs — and America.