Core Points - The Trump administration's plan to raise the H-1B application fee to $100,000 has created significant anxiety among international graduate students and companies reliant on the visa program [2][3][4] - The sudden implementation of the new fee structure has led to confusion and panic among visa holders and companies, with many employees being advised to return to the US immediately [4][10] - Major tech companies and institutions, including Google, Apple, and various universities, are concerned about the impact on their recruitment strategies due to the increased costs associated with H-1B visas [6][10] Industry Impact - The H-1B visa program is crucial for sectors like technology, education, and healthcare, which depend on skilled international talent [3][6] - The proposed fee increase is expected to disproportionately affect startups, small companies, and non-profits, limiting their ability to hire entry-level professionals [9][10] - The announcement has prompted discussions about the need for reforms in the H-1B system, with some advocating for expansion to address labor shortages [8] Company Reactions - Companies are left scrambling to understand the implications of the new fee structure on their hiring plans, with many expressing concerns about the potential loss of talent [6][10] - The uncertainty surrounding the visa changes has led to immediate reactions from employees, with some planning to return to their home countries [11][14] - The healthcare sector, in particular, is worried about the potential disruption in the pipeline of international medical graduates due to the new fee structure [10]