H-1B Visa Fee Surge: Examining the Fallout and Elon Musk’s Position

President Trump’s decision to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 has sparked widespread concern within the U.S. tech industry and among immigration experts. The new policy is expected to impact companies and foreign workers, with legal professionals advising those currently abroad to return before the new rules take effect. Data indicates that a significant number of skilled foreign workers are employed by major corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. Elon Musk has been a proponent of the H-1B program. Musk has previously emphasized the role of H-1B visa holders in building companies that have contributed to America’s strength. Immigration attorney Sophie Alcorn believes the fee increase could hinder career advancement for H-1B holders and lead to a loss of talent to other countries. The move could particularly affect Indian professionals, who make up the largest group of H-1B visa recipients, and typically earn an average salary of $120,000.