Immigration has long been a heated issue in U.S. politics, intersecting with economics, culture, and national identity. Recent changes announced by former President Donald Trump reignited debate by targeting the H-1B visa program. His executive order raised the annual application fee from $1,500 to $100,000 — a shift that impacts both foreign professionals and the companies that rely on them.

The H-1B program, established in 1990, allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized fields such as engineering, medicine, and technology. With a cap of 85,000 visas per year, demand has consistently exceeded supply. Major tech firms like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla have heavily used the program to maintain global competitiveness and innovation.

The new policy imposes a potential $600,000 cost over six years per worker, excluding salaries and legal fees. This change threatens to shut out startups, small businesses, and nonprofits from accessing global talent. Even large companies may hesitate to bear the cost unless for top-tier hires, potentially narrowing the diversity and depth of the U.S. workforce.

Adding to the controversy, Trump introduced a “gold card” visa program offering expedited entry to ultra-wealthy applicants for a $1 million fee. Critics argue this shift creates an unfair system where wealth is prioritized over merit, excluding middle-class professionals while benefiting the rich.

Experts warn the policy could have long-term consequences for the U.S. economy. Tech leaders and immigration attorneys argue that many roles filled by H-1B workers can’t easily be replaced by domestic talent. Restricting access to global labor may push innovation and operations overseas, weakening the country’s competitive edge.

Ultimately, the new visa rules signal a sharp departure from the U.S.’s historical openness to skilled immigrants. Whether this protects American jobs or harms the economy remains under debate — but for many aspiring workers, the American dream is now far more distant.