Wed Dec 24 02:12:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Trump administration is changing the H-1B visa allocation process. Instead of the traditional lottery, visas will now be awarded based on salary levels, prioritizing the highest-paid applicants in an effort to attract highly skilled foreign workers and potentially drive up wages in the U.S.

News Article:

Trump Administration Overhauls H-1B Visa Program, Prioritizing High-Wage Workers

WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today a significant overhaul of the H-1B visa program, replacing the current lottery system with a new, wage-based selection process. The change, set to go into effect immediately, prioritizes H-1B applicants offered the highest prevailing wage in their occupation and area of employment, effectively shifting the focus of the program towards attracting highly skilled and highly compensated foreign workers.

Under the previous system, the H-1B visa, a popular pathway for skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States, was largely determined by a random lottery due to high demand. The Trump administration argued that this lottery system failed to adequately prioritize the most qualified applicants and potentially depressed wages for American workers.

“This modification is intended to maximize H-1B cap allocations, so they more likely go to the best and brightest, and to protect the economic interests of U.S. workers,” stated a DHS spokesperson.

Critics of the change argue that it could disadvantage smaller companies and startups that may not be able to afford the highest salaries, potentially limiting innovation and competition. Supporters, however, contend that it will ensure that H-1B visas are used to bring in truly exceptional talent, leading to higher-paying jobs for American workers and strengthening the U.S. economy.

The new rule is expected to significantly impact the tech industry, which relies heavily on H-1B visas to fill specialized roles. It remains to be seen what long-term effects this change will have on the U.S. workforce and its ability to attract global talent.

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