Trump adds $100k fee for skilled worker visa applicants
7 hours ago
- #H1B_visa
- #immigration
- #US_politics
- Trump signs executive order adding a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants.
- The order cites 'abuse' of the program and restricts entry unless the fee is paid.
- H-1B visas are capped at 85,000 per year since 2004, with current fees around $1,500.
- New fee could impact small businesses and startups, potentially pricing them out.
- Critics argue the fee will harm US competitiveness, especially in the tech sector.
- Supporters, like Elon Musk, believe the program attracts top global talent.
- India, the largest source of H-1B applicants, expresses concern over the changes.
- Trump's order takes effect on 21 September, applying only to new requests.
- Companies must pay the fee for each applicant for six years.
- Rejections of H-1B applications rose to 24% under Trump, compared to lower rates under Obama and Biden.