A coalition of business groups has cautioned President Donald Trump that the recently announced fee hike for H-1B visa applications to $100,000 (over ₹88 lakh) could negatively impact the US economy.The groups urged the administration to refrain from implementing changes to the skilled worker program that would place additional financial and administrative burdens on companies relying on foreign talent.In a letter to Donald Trump, about a dozen industry organisations representing chipmakers, software compan ...

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]

Core Points - A coalition of business groups 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][4] - The letter emphasized the need for reforms to the H-1B visa program without increasing challenges for US employers in recruiting and retaining top talent [2][3] - The objections from industry groups represent a rare criticism from the business community regarding US policy under the current administration [4] Industry Impact - The new H-1B fees are expected to negatively affect a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, as companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Walmart have relied on the skilled worker program [6] - 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]