Group 1 - The recent increase in H-1B visa fees by the Trump administration has caused significant confusion and concern among businesses, particularly tech and consulting firms, with Amazon potentially facing over $1 billion in costs for its visa holders [1][4] - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is actively working with the administration and its members to understand the implications of the new fees and to find a way forward [1] - There is a growing sentiment among industry leaders that the H-1B visa system needs reform, as it has been perceived to facilitate the hiring of foreign talent over American workers, particularly affecting entry-level job opportunities for Gen Z [2] Group 2 - Foreign workers are seen as crucial to driving innovation in the U.S., with many successful entrepreneurs starting as foreign students and obtaining H-1B visas to build their careers [3] - The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a need for over one million additional STEM workers in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033, highlighting the importance of attracting top talent despite potential reductions in labor demand due to AI and automation [3] - Industry leaders express frustration with the administration's approach to talent and business costs, questioning the long-term benefits of policies that deter skilled workers and increase operational expenses [4]

Tech and consulting giant IBM was not immune to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cuts.IBM had 15 of its federal contracts cancelled due to DOGE-related cuts during the first quarter of 2025, according to reporting from Reuters and Bloomberg. These cuts amount to $100 million in future payments, per Bloomberg. Federal contracts represent between 5% and just under 10% of IBM’s consulting practice. After being peppered with questions during IBM’s earnings call Wednesday, Arvind Krishna, IBM’s ...