Trump endorses proposed H-1B visa fee increase

President Donald Trump has endorsed a proposed increase in fees for H-1B visa petitions, framing the move as a way to prioritize American workers and domestic investment. In a Labour Day proclamation, Trump stated the measure would encourage companies to hire and train qualified Americans before seeking labor overseas.

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a fee of $103,265 for H-1B petitions subject to the annual numerical cap. If this proposal is combined with previous fee attempts that were subject to legal challenges, total costs for certain applicants could exceed $200,000. The administration maintains that these funds would help cover federal costs associated with administering the lawful immigration system.

The H-1B program is a critical tool for U.S. technology companies, healthcare organizations, and universities to recruit highly skilled foreign professionals. Indian nationals historically represent the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries. Critics, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, have expressed concern that such high fees could effectively dismantle the legal immigration program.