Synopsis : Seven bipartisan US lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to withdraw the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, warning it could cripple startups, limit innovation, and push skilled talent away from America. They say the policy threatens the country’s global leadership in technology and AI.
US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Scrap $100K H-1B Visa Fee Hurting Startups
A rare bipartisan coalition of US lawmakers has written to President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, demanding the rollback of the recently imposed $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee. The group warned that the move would harm America’s innovation economy and make the US less competitive globally.
The letter, signed by Suhas Subramanyam, Sam T Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, MarÃa Elvira Salazar, Don Bacon, and Greg Stanton, emphasized that the decision could disproportionately impact small businesses and early-stage startups that rely on skilled foreign workers to drive growth and innovation.
H-1B Fee to Hurt Startups and Job Creation
“The $100,000 fee is prohibitively expensive for startups that are not yet profitable,” the lawmakers wrote. “It will stop them from recruiting needed talent, slow their growth, and reduce the number of Americans they employ.”
The letter further warned that the uncertainty surrounding the visa rules could disrupt daily operations for innovation-driven employers. Lawmakers called for a bipartisan reform that strengthens the US workforce while continuing to attract top global talent.
Skilled Workers May Move Abroad
The lawmakers also cautioned that high visa costs could push talented professionals to competing nations.
“If US companies cannot bring in needed talent, skilled workers may return to their home countries like India, China, Israel, or Europe to start rival firms,” the statement read.
The letter cited research showing that China produces nearly half of the world’s top AI researchers, and warned that America’s position in AI and quantum computing depends on its ability to attract and retain global experts.
Global Race for Talent Intensifies
While the US tightens immigration, other countries are moving fast to lure high-skilled professionals.
China recently introduced a new “K-type” visa for science and technology talent, while Canada launched an easier immigration pathway for skilled tech workers.
“These moves could make the US less competitive in the global race for innovation,” the letter warned.
H-1B: The Backbone of US Tech Growth
The lawmakers highlighted that the H-1B program has been vital for decades, enabling startups to hire global talent who often studied in US universities.
“Companies with H-1B workers file more patents, grow faster, and hire more Americans,” they stated.
They added that nearly half of all US unicorn startups were founded by immigrants, and that the $100,000 fee could have stopped many of today’s leading tech giants from ever surviving their early stages.
Since September 2025, the Trump administration has enforced the new H-1B fee, impacting over 70% Indian applicants. Critics argue the move could have long-term consequences for America’s economic and technological edge.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational and analytical purposes only. It does not represent political opinions or financial advice. Readers are advised to refer to official USCIS and government statements for verified policy details.
