Trump to Add $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visa Applications

H-1B Visa Fee Changes & Immigration Policy - The administration is implementing a strategy to curtail legal immigration, evidenced by a proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants, significantly increasing the cost compared to the current $215 lottery registration fee and $780 Form I-129 supplemental petition fee [1][2] - The increased fee is expected to reduce the pool of eligible applicants for H-1B visas [2] - This shift towards curbing legal immigration contrasts with previous efforts focused on illegal immigration, where the administration aimed to reduce border crossings and increase deportations [3] Tech Industry & Political Division - The tech industry relies on H-1B workers, raising questions about potential conflicts between the administration's immigration policies and the needs of the tech sector [4] - Divisions exist within the Republican base regarding immigration policy, with some supporting stricter measures to aid the labor force and others holding more conservative views [5][6][7] - The president's decision to implement the $100,000 fee reflects a choice regarding which faction's views on immigration to prioritize [8] Economic Impact - Economic data suggests that tariffs, taxes, and declining net migration could negatively impact the economy [9] - Economists have expressed concerns about the potential negative economic consequences of population declines resulting from shifts in net migration [9][10]