Trump Signs Proclamation Imposing $100,000 Annual H-1B Visa Fee: A Bold Step to Put America First

President Donald Trump has once again shown that he is serious about putting American workers first. On September 19, 2025, he signed a historic proclamation that imposes a $100,000 annual fee on companies sponsoring foreign workers through the H-1B visa program.

This landmark move is not just about visas—it’s about protecting U.S. jobs, raising wages, and ensuring fairness in a system that many Americans felt was being exploited for too long.

Why This Change Was Needed

For decades, the H-1B visa program has been criticized for allowing corporations to bring in cheaper foreign labor while sidelining equally qualified Americans. Many U.S. workers—especially in the tech sector—have watched their opportunities shrink while companies used the program to cut costs.

By introducing a $100,000 annual fee per worker, President Trump is forcing corporations to think twice before outsourcing jobs to foreign hires. This ensures that when companies do sponsor an H-1B worker, they’re truly bringing in top-tier, specialized talent—not just trying to save money.

Benefits for America

1. Stronger Job Market for Americans With higher costs for sponsorship, companies are encouraged to hire American workers first. This levels the playing field for citizens and permanent residents.

2. Higher Wages Across the Board The move discourages low-ball offers to foreign workers, which in turn protects wage standards for everyone in the industry.

3. Revenue for Oversight & Immigration Reform The significant fee revenue will allow the government to invest in immigration enforcement, worker training, and smarter systems that prioritize fairness.

4. Encouragement of High-Value Immigration Rather than attracting people looking for cheaper pathways, this policy brings in only the best and brightest global talent, ensuring that America remains competitive while still putting its own workers first.
   

A Vision of Fairness

President Trump has consistently said his immigration policy is based on two principles:

• Protect American workers.

• Welcome the best and brightest on fair terms.

This proclamation embodies both. It doesn’t shut down immigration—it makes sure that only those who add real value to the U.S. economy can be sponsored under the H-1B program.

What Critics Overlook

Critics argue this will reduce applications or harm the tech industry. But the truth is:

• The U.S. has plenty of qualified talent ready to work when given the chance.

• Companies that truly need foreign expertise will still pay—because $100,000 is a small price for world-class talent.

• America will no longer be seen as a place where corporations can exploit loopholes—it will be seen as a place that values fairness, quality, and accountability.
  

Final Thoughts

The $100,000 H-1B fee is a bold reform that reflects President Trump’s commitment to protecting U.S. workers while strengthening America’s global competitiveness.

It tells the world that America will no longer tolerate the undercutting of wages or misuse of visa programs. Instead, it will focus on American jobs first, fairness in hiring, and ensuring only the best foreign talent comes to contribute.

In short, this is a victory for American workers, a victory for fairness, and a victory for the America First agenda.