rki.news | Source: Xinhua
Washington, August 28 : U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a new fee exceeding $100,000 per foreign employee for American companies using H-1B visas, a move seen as aimed at strengthening support among his MAGA political base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposal follows a federal judge’s decision earlier this summer to strike down a previous White House fee for H-1B visa applications.
The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs, particularly in the technology sector.
Supporters of Trump’s “America First” agenda have long criticized the program, arguing that it undercuts American workers and suppresses local wages.
Political analysts said the proposed fee is intended to appeal to voters strongly opposed to both legal and illegal immigration.
However, the proposal has divided public opinion. Some Americans oppose the program, while others say companies need skilled foreign workers because qualified local applicants are unavailable.
The proposed fee could significantly affect technology giants including Amazon, Microsoft and Google, which rely on H-1B workers.
Economists also warned that the policy could discourage highly skilled workers from seeking U.S. employment and potentially undermine innovation. Experts suggested higher minimum salaries as an alternative to excessive visa fees.