H-1B Visa Update: Republicans Urge Trump To Scrap $100,000 Fee

Newsweek ^ | 10/22/2025 | Staff

[marcusmaximus]

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has urged President Donald Trump to reconsider a newly imposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, warning that the policy could harm American innovation and competitiveness.

In a letter sent to the White House and the Department of Commerce on October 21, seven members of Congress, including both Democrats and Republicans, expressed concern that the fee would disproportionately affect early-stage employers and small companies, particularly those that have not yet become profitable.

-snip-

The letter sent to the President was signed by Representatives Sam Liccardo of California, Jay Obernolte of California, Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, and Greg Stanton of Arizona.

-snip-

The lawmakers also warn that if U.S. companies cannot access the required talent, many highly skilled workers may return to countries such as India, China, Israel, or Europe to launch companies that compete directly against U.S. firms.

[Texas Eagle]

Yes it could cause them to return to their home countries and compete against American companies.

Or it could cause monkeys to fly out of their butts.

[DFG]

Do these politicians include the India, China, and cartel bribe money on their income tax?

[Texas Eagle]

The People's Cube!!!! Awwww, man! I'd forgotten all about The People's Cube. I loved The People's Cube. It was the first Babylon Bee. ThePeoplesCube

Woo hoo! It's still around! Thanks for posting!

[grey_whiskers]

Now we know who to primary.

[grey_whiskers]

What about highly skilled American workers?

Where do THEY go?

Hell.

[Olog-hai]

Some leftists insist that the European Union, which has been euphemistically called “Europe” as if it were the continent itself, is somehow a country in the vein of the USA. It’s more like an empire akin to the USSR, upon which it’s based.

[flamberge]

No.

Scrap the entire H1-B program.

We have had enough lies from the big corporations about this. It is no longer tolerable.

[montag813]

"3 Republicans Urge Trump To Scrap $100,000 Fee"

[Texas Eagle]

You can’t even get a decent taxi driver’s license for a hundred thousand dollars.

[vmpolesov]

I agree he should reconsider it.

And upon careful reconsideration he should raise the fee to $250,000, make it annual, and apply it to all visa holders including renewals.

[marcusmaximus]

Stalking horses.

[The Antiyuppie]

No doubt this is from the Chamber of Commerce, country club, Sans-A-Belt division of the RINO party (honorary chairman for life: Bloomberg).

[The Antiyuppie]

“Europe is a country? 🤔 “

The people in Brussels think that it is.

[TheDon]

Unfortunately votes don’t matter as much as campaign contributions.

A problem that must be corrected!

[RushingWater]

No doubt this is from the Chamber of Commerce, country club, Sans-A-Belt division of the RINO party (honorary chairman for life: Bloomberg).

Correct. I am really impressed that Trump has advisors that aren't in this cesspool. Maybe the first time in recent history. We know the democrats are thugs, but just think how the Bush's clung to this dreaded group. No regard for the good of the US.

[Tommy Revolts]

...the fee would disproportionately affect early-stage employers and small companies, particularly those that have not yet become profitable.

I had to read that twice.

[kiryandil]

[Bon of Babble]

Trump has already backed down from the $100k fee + $100k each year thereafter, now, unfortunately, it's only the $100k fee upfront.

Hope he doesn't cave to this job stealing program, no matter how many billionaire tech bros. call him or any other politician.

I voted for the 2016 Trump that vowed to end the program. Ditto for Vance in 2024:

[Georgia Girl 2]

Nooooo!

[toast]

The fees collected should be routed to engineers that have had their salaries artificially restricted for the last 4 decades.