Tech Industry Calls on Trump Administration to Withdraw New H-1B Visa Fee

President Donald Trump's executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B worker visas has triggered widespread criticism from technology executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. This new policy, signed on September 19, 2025, has been described as a major blow to a sector that heavily relies on the H-1B program to bring in skilled foreign workers like engineers and coders. Many fear the fee will significantly increase operational costs, particularly for startups and smaller firms, with some non-profits stating they will no longer be able to utilize the visa program.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is actively considering a lawsuit against the Trump administration, consulting with member companies, especially in the tech sector, to gauge support for legal action. This mirrors their successful challenge in 2020 against a Trump-era proclamation suspending nonimmigrant visas. Organizations like Compete America, which includes major firms such as Amazon, Apple, Accenture, IBM, Meta, and Microsoft, have urged the administration to reconsider, warning that the policy undermines American leadership in technology and could cede innovation to global competitors. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the importance of attracting "the brightest minds" to the U.S., highlighting immigration as a foundation of the American Dream.

While the White House clarified that the fee initially applies only to future applicants, concerns remain about the long-term impact on current visa holders and the overall U.S. economy. Economists like Atakan Bakiskan of Berenberg have lowered U.S. growth estimates, citing the H-1B fee as part of "anti-growth policymaking" that could lead to a shrinking labor force and decreased productivity. Experts also warn that such policies may not benefit American workers as intended, but instead push companies to offshore operations, seeking talent in countries like Canada and the UK. The policy creates new burdens, particularly for startups and smaller businesses, potentially hindering innovation and economic growth.