"Reckless, Extreme": Trump's H-1B Fee Plan Draws Backlash From US Lawmakers

Donald Trump issued a decree mandating a yearly $100,000 fee for H-1B visa submissions

US legislators and community representatives expressed significant concerns regarding President Donald Trump's proposal to implement a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, describing the initiative as "reckless" and "unfortunate" with potentially "huge negative" consequences for the technology sector.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi characterized Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee as a "reckless attempt to isolate America from skilled professionals who have consistently strengthened our workforce, driven innovation, and helped establish industries employing millions of Americans."

Krishnamoorthi noted that numerous H-1B holders eventually become American citizens and establish businesses that generate well-compensated employment opportunities in the United States. "While other countries compete to attract global talent, the United States should focus on strengthening its workforce and updating our immigration system—not creating obstacles that undermine our economic prosperity and security," he stated.

Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to President Joe Biden and Asian-American community advocate on immigration policy, cautioned about a potential crisis for the US technology sector's competitive advantage due to Trump's new plan to impose the "staggering" H1-B fee.

"The H-1B program, essential for innovation that has drawn top talent worldwide, faces unprecedented challenges with this enormous increase from the current $2000-$5000 total fee, which will devastate small businesses and startups dependent on diverse talent," Bhutoria remarked.

Bhutoria further stated that the policy will discourage skilled professionals who are vital to Silicon Valley and contribute billions to the American economy.

He warned that the initiative could backfire by directing talent toward competing nations such as Canada or Europe. Bhutoria advocated for balanced reform such as exempting startups or emphasizing merit-based selection instead of "this extreme overhaul."

Khanderao Kand from the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies described the $100,000 fee for H1-Bs as a very unfortunate policy with significant negative implications for businesses, particularly in the software and technology industries, as well as US-educated STEM talent who are already facing challenges due to the impact of AI and tariffs.