Trump adds US$100,000 fee for H-1Bs, unveils gold and platinum visas
The H-1B move will hit the US tech industry especially hard, as it relies on the programme to bring in skilled workers from India and China
US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday requiring companies to pay US$100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas, potentially dealing a big blow to the technology sector that relies heavily on skilled workers from India and China.
His administration also launched a website for a visa programme for the wealthy, in an effort to encourage the rich to immigrate to the US by offering residency permits for a hefty price tag.
Individuals can pay US$1 million to receive US residency with the “Trump Gold Card”, following a processing fee and vetting, according to a website announcing the programme.
A “Platinum Card” will soon be available for US$5 million, and allow recipients to “spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to US taxes on non-US income”.
Businesses that contribute US$2 million can receive US residency for an unspecified number of their employees, according to the website.
Since taking office in January, Trump has kicked off a wide-ranging immigration crackdown, including moves to limit some forms of legal immigration. The move to reshape the H-1B visa programme represents his administration’s most high-profile effort so far to rework temporary employment visas.