Trump Proposes $100K H-1B Visa Fee to Curb Abuse, Protect U.S. Jobs
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump announced a sweeping reform of the H-1B visa program, proposing a $100,000 application fee aimed at discouraging misuse and protecting American workers. The H-1B program, designed for high-skilled foreign professionals, has come under fire for allegedly allowing companies to replace U.S. workers with cheaper labor.
Currently, applying for an H-1B visa costs between $1,700 and $4,500. Trump’s plan would drastically increase this cost, potentially making it harder for companies to hire or renew foreign workers. The proposal also includes stricter wage requirements, ensuring visa holders are paid at or above U.S. market rates.
Critics argue that H-1B visas are increasingly used for lower-level roles — far from the program’s original intent. Recent reports cited cases where companies sought foreign applicants for jobs like assistant coaches and entry-level accountants. Wake Forest University and Microsoft were named among employers exploiting the system, with Microsoft reportedly filing thousands of visa applications after laying off U.S. engineers.
Supporters claim the fee hike and new rules will safeguard American jobs and reduce abuse of the program. They argue the move is necessary to level the playing field for U.S. workers and prevent companies from prioritizing cost savings over local employment. However, opponents warn that the $100,000 cost is excessive and could deter global talent from entering key industries like tech and healthcare.
Trump said the reforms ensure “American workers are treated fairly,” while still allowing truly high-skilled talent to enter the workforce. The changes could take effect as early as this week, pending federal review.
