Trump Shocks With Massive Visa Fee Hike
Trump’s H-1B Visa Hike Sparks Backlash
Immigration remains a flashpoint in U.S. politics, and former President Donald Trump has reignited debate with sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program.
His new executive order raises the application fee from $1,500 to $100,000, a cost that could exceed $600,000 over six years per worker.
Created in 1990, the H-1B program lets U.S. companies hire foreign talent in specialized fields like engineering, medicine, and technology.
With demand far outpacing the 85,000 annual cap, major firms such as Google, Microsoft, and Tesla have relied on it to fuel competitiveness.
Critics warn the drastic fee hike could lock out startups, small businesses, and nonprofits,
while even tech giants may limit hires to only top-tier candidates—shrinking the diversity of America’s workforce.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Trump also launched a $1 million “gold card” visa for the ultra-wealthy, a move opponents say favors money over merit.
