President Trump signed a proclamation Friday that will dramatically reshape the H-1B visa system. The order imposes a $100,000 fee on applications, which the administration says is necessary to curb overuse and protect U.S. jobs.
The proclamation bars entry under the H-1B program unless the payment is made, with Trump arguing that abuse of the visa pathway has displaced American workers. The president also directed the Labor Secretary to begin revising prevailing-wage levels for H-1B holders, aiming to prevent companies from using the visas to undercut U.S. wages.
The fact sheet describes the changes as critical to national security, claiming that American workers are being replaced by lower-paid foreign labor. The administration said the revisions are designed to stop wage suppression and encourage more Americans to pursue STEM careers, while ensuring legitimate H-1B filings move forward without abuse.
Trump also issued a separate order establishing a “gold card” immigration track, designed to fast-track visas for those willing to pay a steep price. Under the plan, individuals can secure quicker approval by paying $1 million, while companies may pay $2 million to accelerate the process for a sponsored foreign worker.
