Tech Giants Brace for H-1B Visa Disruption After Trump Admin Hikes Fees

Major U.S. tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and JPMorgan, are scrambling to mitigate disruptions after the TRUMP administration announced a steep $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas. The policy, set to take effect imminently, targets foreign workers in the technology sector and forms part of President Trump's broader immigration crackdown.

Internal memos circulated Friday urged visa holders already in the U.S. to avoid international travel, while those abroad were advised to return before the new fees take effect. "H-1B visa holders currently in the U.S. should remain and avoid travel until clear guidance emerges," cautioned Ogletree Deakins, a law firm handling corporate visa applications.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the measure as a protectionist MOVE for American graduates. "Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs," he stated, framing the policy as a prioritization of domestic talent over foreign workers.