Trump Signs Another Executive Order to Reduce Skilled Worker Visa Applicants as Details Emerge
- Trump signed an executive order imposing $100k annual fee on H-1B visa applicants, replacing the current $1,500 charges
- Critics and tech leaders warn that the steep fee will devastate small firms and weaken US competitiveness in the global market
- Amazon and India’s Nasscom express concern as the order sparks uncertainty for foreign workers, especially Indians who make up 70% of applicants
Washington DC, United States - US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 (£74,000) annual fee on applicants to the H-1B skilled worker visa programme.
The US President cited concerns over alleged “abuse”.
Source: Getty Images
The order, which comes into effect on Sunday, 21 September, will apply to new applicants and require companies to pay the fee for up to six years per worker.
The H-1B visa has long been used by US firms to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly in the tech industry.
Officials defend steep new fee
As reported by BBC, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick justified the action by stating:
"The company has to decide… is the person worthy enough to receive a $100,000-a-year gift to the government, or they can go home, and they can go hire an American. They all have the big companies on board."
Previously, administrative fees for H-1B visas amounted to around $1,500.
Stakeholders react with alarm
Critics warn the fee will devastate smaller businesses and start-ups. Immigration lawyer Tahmina Watson said:
“Almost everyone’s going to be priced out. This $100,000 as an entry point is going to have a devastating impact.”
Jorge Lopez, chair of immigration and global mobility at Littler Mendelson PC, argued the order would hurt American competitiveness:
“A $100,000 fee will put the brakes on American competitiveness in the tech sector and all industries.”
Tech companies brace for disruption
Amazon, one of the largest users of H-1B visas, advised employees on Friday, September 19, not to leave the US.
In an internal advisory seen by Business Insider, the company told staff abroad to “return before tomorrow’s deadline if possible”, and warned others to avoid re-entry “until further guidance is provided”.
International backlash grows
As reported by The Economic Times, India’s trade body Nasscom said the sudden edict caused “considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world.”
India accounts for more than 70% of H-1B visas granted annually, according to government data.
Trump defends position
Source: Getty Images
Trump has previously expressed mixed views on H-1Bs, at times praising their role in attracting global talent.
Speaking earlier this year, he said:
“You need a pool of people to work for companies. You have to be able to recruit these people and keep these people.”
Despite this, Trump has repeatedly tightened rules on the programme, with rejection rates soaring during his first term.
Trump announces arrest of suspect who killed ally
Previously, Legit.ng reported that President Donald Trump has confirmed the arrest of a suspect accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump added that local authorities had “done a great job, everybody worked together saying: "it all worked out.”
Source: Legit.ng
