Trump-Era H-1B Visa Fee Hike and ‘Gold Card’ Immigration Plan Resurface Debate
Trump-Era H-1B Visa Fee Hike and ‘Gold Card’ Immigration Plan Resurface Debate
A contentious immigration overhaul initiated by former President Donald Trump, which included a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for skilled tech workers and the introduction of ‘gold card’ visas for wealthy individuals, continues to fuel debate years after its initial rollout. The Trump administration’s policy, which took effect shortly after its announcement, aimed to significantly alter the landscape for high-skilled foreign workers and investors in the U.S.
At the time of its implementation, the White House clarified that the substantial H-1B fee would only apply to new applicants, not existing visa holders or renewals, attempting to quell widespread confusion and anxiety among immigrant workers and businesses. However, the policy faced immediate criticism from immigration attorneys and industry groups, who warned of its potential to disrupt lives and negatively impact American businesses reliant on skilled foreign talent.
The plan also involved the creation of a $1 million ‘gold card’ visa offering a path to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals, and a ‘Platinum Card’ for $5 million allowing extended stays without U.S. tax on non-U.S. income. These measures were met with skepticism regarding their legality and the president’s authority to enact such changes without congressional approval.
Critics argued that the H-1B program, designed for high-skilled jobs, was being misused to undercut American wages. Supporters of the Trump administration’s move, however, lauded it as a step towards prioritizing American workers. The fee increase was projected to drastically reduce the number of H-1B visas issued annually, shifting focus towards training American talent. The legacy of these immigration policies continues to be a point of discussion in current immigration reform conversations.
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