Trump's $100K H-1B Visa Surcharge Rattles Tech Giants; Microsoft, Google Urge Employees Home

Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Surcharge Shocks Tech Giants

The typically sycophantic leadership of the US tech sector finds itself blindsided by the Trump administration's latest maneuver. In a move that has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and beyond, President Trump announced on September 19th a proposal to levy an annual fee of $100,000 per H-1B visa. This drastic measure, ostensibly aimed at curbing the program's usage, directly impacts companies heavily reliant on skilled foreign talent.

The H-1B visa program has long been a crucial conduit for numerous industries seeking specialized expertise. However, technology firms, in particular, have demonstrated an almost symbiotic relationship with it. Government figures reveal a substantial reliance, with Amazon employing approximately 14,000 H-1B visa holders, while tech behemoths like Google, Meta, and Microsoft each utilize around 4,000 such individuals. Apple also features prominently in this landscape.

Uncertainty and Urgent Calls for Return

While the proposed surcharge is slated to apply only to new applications and is almost certain to face formidable legal challenges, the mere prospect of such a seismic shift is generating palpable anxiety. The Economic Times reports that Microsoft and Amazon have already issued internal directives to their overseas employees working under H-1B visas, urging them to return to the US before the new fees potentially take effect. Sources indicate that Google has disseminated similar instructions.

This unprecedented advisory from tech titans underscores the gravity of the situation. Companies are actively warning their H-1B visa-holding workforce against any international travel and, for those already abroad, to expedite their return. The message is clear: the landscape is shifting, and swift action is paramount to avoid unforeseen financial burdens and potential disruption to careers.

The "Golden Card" Alternative: Wealth Over Talent?

In a parallel development, the State Department has unveiled a new "golden card" initiative, championed by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. This program is reportedly designed to supersede the existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, which are intended for individuals with "extraordinary talent" or advanced degrees in highly competitive fields. The proposed replacement, however, introduces a controversial new requirement: applicants must demonstrate "exceptional value to the United States of America, with a contribution of one million dollars."

Under this new framework, prospective employees would be compelled to pay a staggering $1,000,000 for an expedited application process. This figure could even escalate to $2,000,000 if the individual is sponsored by a company for employment. This proposition starkly contrasts with the spirit of merit-based immigration, appearing to prioritize financial capacity over demonstrable professional prowess. It raises profound questions about fairness and the true definition of exceptional value in the American economy.