Trump is upping the price of Big Tech’s favorite visa

The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to implement a fee of over $103,000 on H-1B visas, which is expected to significantly impact Indian applicants. This fee is intended to become a permanent charge, as reported by The Hindu. The announcement coincides with news that the State Department is considering revoking the visas of up to 200,000 asylum seekers, potentially marking the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history, according to The Associated Press. In addition to the H-1B visa fee, the Trump administration is also reviewing a proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas. These visas allow international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. The Wall Street Journal reported that this proposal is part of ongoing discussions within the administration regarding immigration policies affecting foreign students. A White House official indicated that while there is no imminent policy change, the proposal is under consideration. The potential introduction of these high fees could create significant financial burdens for international students and H-1B visa applicants. Many international students rely on OPT to gain work experience in the U.S. after completing their studies, and the proposed fees may deter them from pursuing these opportunities. The situation regarding these visa policies remains fluid, with no definitive decisions made at this time.