Trump Administration Overhauls Legal Immigration with $100,000 H-1B Fee and Gold Card Visa Program
ByDNN Post
President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy that sharply increase costs for skilled foreign workers, especially those seeking H-1B visas, according AP.
Major Policy Change: Higher Fees and New Visa Types
On September 19, 2025, Trump signed an executive order setting a new $100,000 annual application fee for each H-1B visa. The change replaces nominal fees of several thousand dollars and takes effect September 21. The proclamation also creates a “Gold Card” visa pathway allowing foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency in exchange for a $1 million investment. A “Platinum Card,” costed at $5 million, offers up to 270 days in the U.S. annually without being subject to U.S. taxation on foreign-earned income.
The administration says the reforms aim to curb abuses in the visa program, protect domestic workers, and reduce reliance on foreign labor. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has emphasized that companies should instead invest in training U.S. graduates for specialized roles.
Reactions and Legal Concerns
The tech industry and outsourcing firms have responded with alarm. Large U.S. technology companies and Indian IT services providers, which have long depended on H-1B visas to fill specialized positions, warn the steep fee could disrupt projects and reduce competitiveness. Reuters reports that Indian firms view the sudden policy announcement made with little lead time as highly disruptive. according to the Reuters
Legal analysts say the $100,000 fee may violate federal immigration law, as it far exceeds typical administrative or processing costs. Lawsuits are expected to challenge the policy’s legal authority. According to Bloomberg law
The changes are expected to reduce the number of H-1B visa applications due to the high cost, placing strain especially on smaller firms and start-ups which may not afford the fee. Some companies are already advising their H-1B visa holders to reenter the U.S. before the fee takes effect to avoid complications.
