US Commerce Secretary Reacts to Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Proposal: ‘Hard-Working…

Speedy Summary:

• US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing a ‘Gold Card’ visa program wiht fees of USD 1 million for individuals and USD 2 million for businesses.
• The program aims to attract “extraordinary people” at the top of their fields, expected to create businesses and jobs in the US while raising billions of dollars in revenue.
• A proclamation was also issued imposing a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications payable by employers, aiming to restrict overuse and prioritize highly skilled foreign workers.
• US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated this initiative would end practices where foreign workers take jobs from Americans without providing meaningful contributions.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The introduction of steep fees for H-1B visas, coupled with the focus on attracting top-tier professionals through programs like the ‘Gold Card,’ marks a significant shift in US immigration policy under Trump’s administration. While this could limit opportunities for middle-tier skilled Indian professionals who use H-1B visas to work in sectors such as IT or STEM, it emphasizes alignment between economic contribution and immigration privileges. For India-home to one of the largest pools of STEM talent-the move may compel companies or workers seeking employment abroad to reconsider strategies due to increased costs associated with talent migration toward the United States.

These changes might stimulate discussions within India about retaining high-skilled individuals domestically by offering favorable professional environments or policies countering brain drain challenges deeply connected with international mobility frameworks such adjustments frequently spotlight future wherein foundations restructuring workforce interconnected reflective balances activity across both nations.

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