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Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee draws rare rebuke from US business
APPL MATERIALAPPL MATERIAL(HK:04336) BusinessLine·2025-10-04 04:40

Core Points - A coalition of business groups has warned that the newly announced $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications could harm the US economy and urged the administration to avoid imposing additional burdens on companies [1][2][4] - The letter from industry organizations highlights concerns that the new fee threatens to disrupt the talent pipeline of foreign skilled workers, leaving critical jobs unfilled [2][6] - The groups emphasized the need for collaboration with the administration to reform the H-1B visa program without increasing challenges for US employers in recruiting and retaining top talent [2][10] Industry Impact - The new H-1B fees are expected to significantly affect various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, which have relied on the skilled worker program to fill essential roles [6][9] - Cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering will require a high-skilled workforce to maintain growth, and the changes to the H-1B program could hinder progress in these areas [7][8] - Major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Walmart have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their talent pipelines due to the changes in the H-1B program [6][9] Government Response - A White House spokesperson defended the new H-1B policy, stating it aims to help US companies access top talent while addressing issues of visa abuse [5] - The administration has indicated that certain exemptions from the new fee may apply to doctors, which is crucial for recruiting healthcare professionals in rural areas facing shortages [11]