Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee and Gold Card Residency Program Spark Backlash

September 20, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump on Friday signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications and announced the launch of wealth-based residency programs including a $1 million “Gold Card” pathway to U.S. citizenship. The changes represent a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy and have already drawn widespread criticism and looming legal battles.

H-1B Visa Fee Increase

The cost of applying for an H-1B visa — used by companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers — will jump from about $215 to $100,000 under the new policy. While the administration argues the move will encourage companies to prioritize American workers, critics warn it could cripple industries reliant on specialized foreign talent.

The fee will not apply to renewals for existing H-1B holders, but experts predict the number of new petitions will plummet, falling well short of the current 85,000 annual cap.

The Gold Card Program

Trump also introduced the Gold Card visa, available to individuals who contribute $1 million to the U.S. Treasury or corporations donating $2 million on behalf of an employee. The program replaces several employment-based immigrant visas, including those traditionally reserved for professors, scientists, and artists.

The Platinum Card Proposal

In addition to the Gold Card, the administration has outlined plans for a $5 million Platinum Card. This option would allow recipients to remain in the U.S. for up to 270 days annually without paying taxes on foreign income. However, this program requires Congressional approval before implementation.

Mixed Reactions

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said “all big companies” support the changes, though major tech firms such as Amazon, Google, Apple, and Microsoft have not publicly endorsed the move. Immigration advocates, labor unions, and policy experts condemned the proclamation, describing it as “legally dubious” and “economically destructive.”

Doug Rand, a former senior official at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, called the plan “ludicrously lawless,” arguing it was designed more to generate headlines than sustainable policy.

Legal and Economic Challenges

Immigration lawyers expect immediate lawsuits challenging the legality of imposing such drastic fee hikes by executive action. Under U.S. law, significant fee adjustments typically require Congressional approval or formal regulatory rulemaking. Critics also fear the changes will push companies to offshore even more jobs, particularly in IT and engineering sectors.

Global and Domestic Impact

India, home to the largest share of H-1B recipients, has voiced concern about the disruptions this could cause for skilled professionals and their families. Domestically, labor groups like the AFL-CIO argue that while the reforms address some abuse of the lottery system, they risk undermining America’s ability to attract top global talent.

What’s Next?

The policy is expected to face injunctions in federal courts, delaying or even blocking implementation. Meanwhile, companies are reassessing hiring strategies, and foreign applicants are left in limbo. Whether the Gold and Platinum Cards survive legal scrutiny and political opposition remains uncertain, but the announcement has already reshaped the debate over the future of U.S. immigration policy.