Sat Sep 20 02:11:06 UTC 2025: **Trump Introduces Steep Visa Fees, “Gold Card” Path to Citizenship, Drawing Criticism**
Washington D.C. – In a move expected to face legal challenges, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, used by skilled foreign workers, and introducing a $1 million “Gold Card” visa offering a pathway to US citizenship for wealthy individuals. The current H-1B visa fee is only $215.
The announcement, criticized as an attempt to circumvent Congress, also includes a “Platinum Card” for $5 million allowing extended stays without US tax obligations on foreign income. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that major tech companies support the H-1B visa fee increase, a claim yet unconfirmed by industry giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta, all of whom have not commented. Microsoft declined to comment.
Lutnick anticipates a significant reduction in H-1B visa usage due to the increased cost, favoring the training of American workers. The “Gold Card” and “Platinum Card” are intended to replace employment-based visas for professionals like professors, scientists, artists, and athletes.
While advocates for limiting H-1B visas, who accuse companies of replacing American workers, praised the measures, others, like former Biden administration official Doug Rand, denounced them as “ludicrously lawless” and merely “fan service for immigration restrictionists.” Lutnick noted that the platinum card needs congressional approval.
The H-1B visa program, often used by tech companies, has faced criticism for potentially suppressing US wages and displacing American workers by bringing in foreign workers who can accept lower salaries. In the past, the visas have been distributed through a lottery system.
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