US President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s decision to raise fees for H-1B visas, saying the United States must continue attracting skilled professionals from abroad because the country “doesn’t have certain talents.”
Trump Justifies Fee Increase
In an interview with Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Trump said the US still relies on foreign talent in specialised sectors, including technology and defence. “You don’t have certain talents,” Trump said when asked why the government continues to welcome skilled immigrants despite the fee hike.
He added that unemployed Americans cannot instantly fill highly technical roles. “You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, ‘we’re going to make missiles,’” he remarked, defending the need for expertise that takes years to develop.
H-1B Fee Raised to $100,000
Earlier this year, the US administration increased the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move that has sparked criticism from the tech industry and immigration advocates. Officials have argued that the increase will help streamline processing and prevent misuse of the visa programme.
Crackdown on Visa Misuse
The US Department of Labor has launched more than 175 investigations into alleged H-1B visa violations, targeting firms accused of underpaying or exploiting foreign workers. Authorities said the government remains committed to ensuring that the programme benefits both American companies and foreign professionals fairly.
Indian Professionals Most Affected
Indian nationals continue to make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders, accounting for over 70% of approvals in 2024, according to US data. The new fee structure and stricter screening are expected to impact Indian IT firms that depend heavily on the visa to send employees to the United States.
Balancing Domestic Jobs and Global Talent
While the Trump administration has long promoted an ‘America First’ jobs policy, the President’s latest remarks suggest a recognition that global expertise remains crucial in several sectors. Analysts say the administration is attempting to balance domestic employment priorities with industry demands for skilled immigration.
