Trump demands $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, hurting American workers

In the United States, a recent policy change was initiated by President Donald Trump that requires employers to pay a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa they seek. This decision was fueled by the administration's belief that it would increase job opportunities for American workers by encouraging companies to hire domestically rather than relying on foreign labor. However, the move has sparked a polarizing debate among economists and policy experts. Some argue that this new fee could act as an obstacle for smaller firms that wish to hire H-1B workers despite providing fair compensation, as they might struggle more with this additional cost than larger, well-funded companies. Others believe that having a fee could result in unintended negative consequences for the labor market overall. Many critiques highlight that restricting immigration could have adverse effects on the economy in the long term, with research suggesting that hiring immigrant workers often leads to benefits for American workers. A study showed that H-1B workers can contribute to job creation and revenue growth for companies, suggesting that their presence does not necessarily displace native workers. As different stakeholders voice their opinions, the administration continues to push forward with the new guidelines while also promising that the interests of American workers will be prioritized. The ongoing discussions underline the complexities and potential fallout of significant changes to immigration policy in the U.S. economy.