‘Reckless and unfortunate’: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee draws backlash from US lawmakers

US President Donald Trump’s recent executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers, policy experts, and community leaders, who warn it could significantly impact America’s technology sector and global competitiveness.

Describing the move as “reckless,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi argued that it risks cutting off the U.S. from the talent that has driven the nation’s innovation economy.

“High-skilled workers have long strengthened our workforce, fueled innovation, and launched industries that employ millions of Americans. Many H-1B holders eventually become citizens and create businesses that generate well-paying jobs. While other nations are racing to attract global talent, the United States should modernize immigration instead of erecting barriers that weaken our economy and security,” he said.

Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to Joe Biden, said that the sweeping changes in the visa policy would have a colossal impact on small businesses and startups.

“The H-1B programme, a lifeline for innovation that has attracted top talent from around the world, faces unprecedented barriers with this massive jump from the current USD 2000-USD 5000 total fee, which will crush small businesses and startups reliant on diverse talent,” Bhutoria said.

While Trump and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested the fee would be a recurring annual payment, the proclamation specifies that the order is valid for 12 months and will be reviewed thereafter.

The fee applies only to applications filed after September 21 and is paid by employers for workers coming from outside the United States.

Originally, the H-1B program was intended to enable U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals for roles that American workers or permanent residents cannot fill.

Over time, however, it has increasingly been used to bring in overseas employees willing to accept salaries of around $60,000 a year, well below the six-figure pay typical for many U.S. tech workers.