Article Summary

A bipartisan group of Republicans and Democrats has sent a letter to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, opposing a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. They argue this fee would unfairly burden early-stage employers and small businesses, thereby weakening US competitiveness. The article also clarifies that the fee does not apply to applicants seeking a change of status or extension of stay, providing avenues to avoid it.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This bipartisan congressional opposition signals significant pushback against the proposed $100,000 H-1B fee, suggesting the policy's implementation may be challenged or reconsidered. For skilled professionals and their employers, this fee, if enacted, would severely restrict access to talent for startups and smaller tech firms, potentially driving innovation and highly skilled workers to competitor nations like Canada or the UK.

While the article clarifies that the fee can be circumvented through specific visa pathways (e.g., F-1 to H-1B change of status), the core intent of the proclamation remains contentious. The bipartisan nature of this opposition underscores a broad concern within Congress about policies that could impede economic growth and technological leadership, potentially leading to further legislative debate or administrative revisions.