The new $100,000 H-1B visa application fee has sparked debate on the need for STEM professionals in the U.S. and how they contribute to the economy.
Some argue that the H-1B visa program takes away jobs from native workers and lowers their wages. Others believe H-1B holders complement U.S. workers and fill employment gaps in STEM fields.
While Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have backed Trump’s move, others are more skeptical.
Garry Tan, CEO of startup accelerator Y Combinator, said the new fee won’t bother big tech, but it “kneecaps” startups. “This current policy outcome = massive gift to every overseas tech hub. In the middle of an AI arms race, we’re telling builders to build elsewhere.”
Here’s a breakdown of the number of H-1B approvals for companies in FY 2025, as of June 30:
USCIS