Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas, Prompting Scramble Among Big Tech and Foreign Governments

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, major tech and finance companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs, scrambled to advise employees on travel and visa status. The fee, applying only to new applicants in the upcoming lottery cycle, marks the administration’s most aggressive legal immigration restriction, potentially affecting highly skilled workers from India, China, and beyond. India and South Korea are assessing the impact on their citizens and industries, noting potential disruptions to families and innovation. Amazon leads in H-1B employment, with over 14,000 holders, while Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google exceed 4,000 each.