Article Summary

Walmart has reportedly paused hiring H-1B visa holders following a Trump administration proclamation imposing a $100,000 application fee for the work permit. This policy, primarily affecting corporate employees, has led the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to file a lawsuit, arguing the fee illegally overrides provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Walmart was previously a significant user of H-1B visas among major retailers, employing approximately 2,390 visa holders.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This move by the Trump administration, imposing a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, represents a radical departure from established program costs, which traditionally cover administrative processing rather than act as a deterrent. The immediate consequence, as seen with Walmart, is a chilling effect on employers' willingness to sponsor H-1B visas, directly impacting skilled foreign professionals and the companies that rely on them.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's swift legal challenge underscores the contentious nature of this fee, arguing it illegally bypasses existing immigration law. This legal battle will be crucial in determining the longevity and enforceability of the policy, with its outcome having profound implications for the future of the H-1B program and the broader skilled immigration ecosystem in the U.S.