President Donald Trump shook up US immigration on Tuesday with two major moves targeting skilled workers and investors. First, he signed an order slapping a whopping $100,000 application fee on H-1B visas, arguing it will curb abuse while still welcoming top talent. Then, he rolled out a brand-new "Gold Card" pathway: fast-track green cards for those willing to pony up $1 million on their own, or $2 million via company sponsorship.
Here’s the scoop on what this means:
- 🏅 Gold Card Perks: High-rollers get priority processing, unlimited renewals, and fewer paperwork headaches.
- 💼 Impact on Startups: Smaller tech firms worry that the $100K visa fee will price out emerging talent, while big players with deep pockets could gain an edge.
- 🌐 Global Talent Race: Countries like Canada and Australia may see a boost as skilled workers explore alternatives.
While the administration says the changes will crack down on fraud and raise revenue, critics warn that the steep fees could drive away mid-career pros and plateau innovation in the US tech sector. The coming months will reveal if the Gold Card becomes the new status symbol for global entrepreneurs or a barrier that widens the gap between big-budget giants and scrappy startups.
Stay tuned as we dig deeper into how this policy shift ripples through international labor markets and reshapes the future of work. ⚡️
Reference(s):
Trump imposes $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, unveils 'gold card' pathway
cgtn.com
