Trump Management Announces $10,000 H-1B Visa Fee, New “Gold Card“ Program prioritizes Wealth
WASHINGTON D.C. - The Trump administration announced today a notable overhaul of the H-1B visa program,introducing a new annual fee of $10,000 per visa holder,set to take effect immediately. Concurrently, the administration unveiled a “gold card” program offering expedited permanent residency to applicants who contribute $1 million to the U.S. economy,or $2 million if sponsored by an employer. The changes, revealed late Monday, have prompted urgent action from those on visas attempting to return to the U.S. before the new fees are implemented at midnight.
The increased H-1B fee and the introduction of the “gold card” represent a marked shift in immigration policy, moving away from a merit-based system focused on skills and towards one prioritizing financial investment. The existing H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The new fee structure has sparked concern within the tech industry, with companies reportedly warning employees on visas not to leave the country for fear of being unable to return. Microsoft declined to comment on the changes.
The “gold card” program will replace the current EB-1 and EB-2 visa programs, which are designed for individuals with extraordinary ability or advanced degrees in competitive fields. Under the new system, applicants must “prove [their] exceptional value to the United States of America by contributing a million dollars,” according to details released by the administration. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick spearheaded the advancement of the program.
The administration claims the new fees and the “gold card” program will generate over $100 billion in revenue, which will be used to reduce the national debt and lower taxes.however, critics point out that with the national debt exceeding $37 trillion and projected to increase by more than $2 trillion in 2025, the revenue generated would be a negligible contribution to overall debt reduction.
the changes come as the White House has repeatedly stated its intention to attract the “top, top people” to the U.S., a sentiment that appears to prioritize wealth over specialized skills.
