Former President Donald Trump made news by announcing $100,000 per year H-1B visas. This is a powerful new tool, which if well used, can have a transformational impact on the tech workforce in the U.S. This fee is the total amount paid for each individual worker, per year. It is the latest step in a larger Trump administration effort to make legal immigration and illegal immigration alike more restrictive.
The H-1B visa program is vital to America’s technology and finance sectors. It plays a critical role in allowing U.S. companies to bring highly-skilled foreign workers, particularly from India and China. The proposed fee would almost certainly upend this program, which is a critical source for skilled workers many companies have come to depend on. Meanwhile, the tech industry is facing a huge talent crunch. The possible financial liability might keep companies from bringing foreign workers on board.
Since taking office in January, Trump has pushed forward a series of executive orders and other measures to severely restrict immigration, including employment-based visas. Taken collectively, the announcement marking the end of H-1B visas is the strongest effort so far to curb these channels. The new laws have caught the attention of major tech companies, with some advising employees to think twice about international travel.
Amazon has advised its H-1B and H-4 visa holders in the U.S. to remain in the country and recommended that those overseas return before 12:01 a.m. ET on September 21. Microsoft, for example, expressed the same concern, stating that international travel would endanger the immigration status of its H-1B visa workers.
As these transformations take place, responses from the international community are coming in. India’s MEA is constantly reviewing these stringent visa norms as per the Governmental framework. They are equally focused on what these restrictions would mean for Indian workers and companies. The ministry further underscored that U.S. and Indian industries have a mutual desire to ensure competitiveness in innovation.
“This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.” – India’s Ministry of External Affairs
South Korea’s foreign ministry is assessing how the Trump administration’s plan may affect Korean firms and skilled workers seeking opportunities in the U.S.