President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, a dramatic increase from the current $215. He also unveiled a new $1 million “gold card” visa, offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals, and a $5 million “platinum card” that allows extended stays without U.S. tax obligations on foreign income.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new fees would likely slash H-1B applications, arguing companies should “train Americans” instead of relying on foreign workers. Critics, however, denounced the move as “lawless” and a political stunt likely to face legal challenges.

Tech giants, including Amazon, Google, Apple, and Meta, did not immediately comment. Microsoft declined to respond. H-1B visas, capped at 85,000 annually, are heavily used by the technology sector to fill specialized roles.

While critics of the visa program praised Trump’s move as curbing abuse, former U.S. immigration officials warned the sharp cost hike could devastate industries dependent on global talent.

The gold and platinum cards are intended to replace existing employment-based visas for professors, scientists, artists, and athletes — a change that could reshape U.S. immigration pathways if upheld.

AP