'Stupid people', 'nonsense': Trump on $100,000 H-1B visa annual fee move| Lutnick| migrant| US| jobs

On September 19, 2025, the Trump administration proposed a dramatic overhaul of the H-1B visa program, announcing plans to require companies to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B worker—aimed at ensuring only highly valuable, hard-to-replace foreign talent are brought into the U.S. workforce. Trump framed the move as a way to protect American jobs and encourage companies to train and hire domestic graduates rather than relying on imported labor. While the policy drew immediate backlash from large tech companies that depend on skilled workers from abroad, administration officials said industry leaders were consulted and supported the intent. Critics argue the fee could sideline U.S. companies and stifle innovation, while supporters—including Trump—insist it will safeguard wages and opportunity for American workers.