The Digest:
US President Donald Trump has signed executive orders imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B skilled worker visas and creating a $1 million "gold card" expedited residency program. The move targets the tech industry's reliance on foreign talent while offering a premium pathway for wealthy immigrants. Rooted in the Storm.
Key Points
- The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B visa applications starting September 21, 2025.
- The order allows exemptions for specific companies or industries at the discretion of the Homeland Security Secretary.
- A new $1 million "gold card" program offers expedited residency for individuals or $2 million for corporate sponsors.
- Trump claimed "all big companies are on board" despite tech industry objections.
- The H-1B program issues 85,000 visas annually, with 75% typically going to Indian professionals.
- Tech leaders like Elon Musk have warned that the US lacks sufficient domestic talent for critical roles.
- The order expires in one year but is renewable, reflecting Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The visa fee hike and gold card option illustrate Trump’s dual approach to immigration: restricting skilled worker programs while monetizing access for the wealthy.
Sources: AFP, Reuters
