Trump administration proposes six-figure price tag for new H-1B visas

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule to permanently implement a fee of over $100,000 for H-1B petitions for highly skilled foreign workers, aiming to cover the costs of administering the legal immigration system. This proposal replaces a previous charge that was blocked by a federal court and is set to expire next month. The fee is intended to fund government costs associated with adjudicating and supporting lawful immigration programs.

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule to establish a permanent fee of $103,265 for cap-subject H-1B petitions.
• This fee is intended to recover federal government costs for administering the legal immigration system.
• A similar fee imposed last year was blocked by a federal judge and is set to expire next month.
• The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, with a set annual cap.
• The proposed fee would apply to most new H-1B petitions, excluding routine extensions for current H-1B holders.
• The proposal comes amid ongoing debates about the H-1B program’s impact on American workers and the economy.
• The fee is being challenged by business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and labor unions.