Heads-up, career chasers! A new legal showdown is brewing over those coveted H-1B visas. 📢
Last Friday, a coalition of unions, employers, and religious groups filed a lawsuit in San Francisco to block President Trump's plan to slap a hefty $100K fee on new H-1B visa holders. ⚖️
The move hits tech, academia, and healthcare hard — think your favorite startups and universities that rely on global talent. Currently, employers pay just $2K–$5K per visa. Under the new rule, sponsors must pony up an extra $100K or hope for a "national interest" exemption. 💼
Plaintiffs argue the president can't rewrite the H-1B law or impose new taxes unilaterally — that power rests with Congress. They warn this "pay-to-play" twist could invite selective enforcement and even corruption. 🚨
Trump defends his order, saying it protects American workers and national security by curbing low-wage hires and encouraging U.S. talent in science and tech. But opponents say the program's integrity is being undermined and the tech workforce could face a serious talent crunch.
The H-1B program offers 65,000 visas each year, plus 20,000 more for advanced-degree holders, valid for 3–6 years. The court's decision could shape the future of global talent in Silicon Valley and beyond. Stay tuned! 🌏👩💻👨💻
Reference(s):
Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B worker visas challenged in lawsuit
cgtn.com
