Trump's Decree Imposes $100,000 Sponsorship Fee for H-1B Visas, sparking worries among Indian Tech Professionals
The New York Post (nypost) reports that the White House has announced significant changes to the H-1B visa system and the introduction of a new 'Gold Card' pathway, aimed at attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign workers in the news. In a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, the annual H-1B visa fee has been raised to USD 100,000, with the revenue generated expected to exceed USD 100 billion for the US Treasury. The intention behind this increase is to restrict the entry of foreign workers deemed to be displacing Americans. Trump reiterated that the new H-1B visa fee is intended to prioritise 'extraordinary people at the very top' who would contribute by creating businesses and jobs for Americans. Tech firms will continue to have access to highly skilled individuals under the new H-1B system, according to Trump. Companies will be able to keep some people they need through the 'Gold Card' program, he added. The 'Gold Card' pathway, targeted at foreigners of 'extraordinary ability', requires a payment of USD 1 million to the US Treasury, or USD 2 million if sponsored by a corporation. This program offers expedited visa processing and a route to permanent residency. The administration aims to ensure that only 'very highly skilled' professionals are admitted, as stated by White House staff secretary Will Scharf. Scharf also clarified that the employer or company hiring the H-1B visa holder will be the intended sponsor for paying the increased visa fees. Trump believes that these changes will allow the US to keep productive people in the country, contributing to the economy and job creation. The new system is designed to prioritise those who would make the greatest impact, creating businesses and jobs for Americans. Under the revised H-1B rules, companies hiring foreign workers will remain satisfied, according to Trump. Lutnick, a representative from one of these companies, confirmed that the new fee is intended to ensure that only valuable individuals to the company and America are admitted. Meanwhile, the UK has taken a different approach, deporting the first migrant under a new immigration treaty. An Indian national was sent back to France, marking a significant change in the UK's immigration policies. The employment-based Green Card programme, which historically admitted around 281,000 people annually, earning an average of USD 66,000, remains a separate issue from the H-1B visa changes. These changes to the H-1B visa system and the introduction of the 'Gold Card' pathway are part of Trump's ongoing efforts to reform the US immigration system and attract the best and brightest talent to the country.
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