Inside Trump’s chaotic overhaul of H-1B visa

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The Trump administration shocked employers and immigrant workers this week by unveiling a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a close ally of President Trump, spearheaded the change, pitching it as a measure to protect American jobs. But the rollout has been chaotic, with key details about how the fee will apply left unclear, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Allies courted behind closed doors

In the days before the announcement, Lutnick convened anti-immigration groups at the White House to secure support for the fee. For months, he had also been pursuing a separate proposal: a so-called “gold card” that would offer wealthy foreigners a fast path to citizenship in exchange for a $1 million payment. The juxtaposition of tightening access for skilled workers while courting the ultra-rich has only fuelled criticism of the administration’s immigration priorities.

Confusion over implementation

Almost immediately, questions arose about whether the $100,000 fee would be applied annually or as a one-time payment. Employers and immigration lawyers also pressed for clarity on whether the fee would extend to existing visa holders or only to new applicants. Commerce officials offered conflicting statements, adding to the sense of uncertainty that companies reliant on skilled foreign workers are now facing.

Impact on workers and employers

The H-1B visa program has long been used by U.S. companies, particularly in the tech sector, to fill critical talent gaps. Immigration advocates warn that such an exorbitant fee could shut out many qualified applicants while placing enormous costs on employers. Critics say it amounts to a “paywall on innovation,” while supporters argue it will push companies to hire more American workers.

A broader immigration strategy

The H-1B overhaul is the latest in a series of restrictive immigration moves under Trump’s second term, from expanding deportations using AI tools to tightening asylum access. Yet, the simultaneous pursuit of the “gold card” has left observers questioning whether the administration’s true focus is protecting workers or monetizing immigration pathways.

The uncertain road ahead

For now, companies and visa holders are in limbo as they await formal regulations clarifying the fee’s structure. Immigration lawyers say the lack of transparency is fuelling anxiety among workers already in the U.S. under H-1B status, many of whom fear sudden financial burdens. With legal challenges likely, the fate of the $100,000 fee — and the future of the skilled visa program — remains unsettled.