New $100,000 H1B Fee Could Devastate Startups and U.S. Workforce
A major shift in U.S. immigration policy is set to impact companies and workers across the country. The administration recently announced a new $100,000 fee for employers who want to hire H1B workers—a dramatic increase that many say will place U.S. businesses at a disadvantage.
For startups and smaller companies in particular, this fee could be devastating. Many rely on foreign-born workers to fill critical roles and drive innovation. With such a steep barrier, opportunities to attract and retain top global talent could disappear.
What is an H1B Worker?
The H1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations—fields that typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher. These roles are often in technology, engineering, healthcare, and research, where companies face significant shortages of qualified U.S. workers. H1B workers not only fill essential jobs but also contribute to innovation, patents, and economic growth.
The Real-World Impact
Attorney Ashley Deadwyler-Heuman of Deadwyler-Heuman Law Firm explained:
“This is an impossible fee for many start-up companies that want to attract talent from overseas. Foreign-born workers contribute greatly to our workforce through their innovation and talent.”
Ashley also emphasized the long-term consequences this policy could have on the U.S. economy:
“Our workforce will be negatively impacted by this gargantuan fee increase in the H1B process.”
As this policy unfolds, it will be important for businesses, workers, and advocates to speak up about the impact. Immigration remains a cornerstone of the American economy, and policies like this could drastically reshape how companies compete for talent in a global market.