Trump Shocks With Massive Visa Fee Hike
Immigration remains a deeply contentious topic in American politics, touching on economics, culture, and national identity. A recent policy shift announced by former President Donald Trump has brought renewed attention to this issue, specifically concerning the H-1B visa program.
Through an executive order, Trump significantly increased the annual application fee for these visas. The cost rose dramatically from $1,500 to $100,000, a change that affects both foreign professionals and the U.S. companies that employ them.
Established in 1990, the H-1B program enables American businesses to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, and medicine. The program is capped at 85,000 visas per year, a number consistently lower than applicant demand.
Major firms like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla have relied on this program to recruit global talent and sustain innovation. The new fee structure, however, could impose up to $600,000 in costs over a six-year visa period, excluding salaries and legal expenses.
This steep increase may prevent startups, small businesses, and nonprofits from competing for international workers. Even larger companies might limit hiring to only the most elite candidates, reducing diversity and talent in the U.S. workforce.
Adding to the debate, Trump also introduced a “gold card” visa available to ultra-wealthy applicants for a $1 million fee. Critics argue this creates a two-tier system that prioritizes wealth over merit.
They contend that the new policies risk excluding skilled middle-class professionals while favoring the rich, fundamentally altering the principles of the U.S. immigration system.
