Overview

• The $100,000 surcharge on new H‑1B petitions took effect Sept. 21, and federal guidance confirms employers—not workers—must pay it.
• Data for Progress reports 50% of likely voters disapprove of the fee and 41% approve, while 65% say highly skilled immigration benefits the United States.
• Sen. Chuck Grassley urged DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to end work authorizations for student visa holders, citing job competition and espionage concerns.
• Coverage in India warns the fee could sharply narrow U.S. prospects for Indian graduates, with some students weighing alternatives in Europe.
• A PolitiFact review finds claims about heavy H‑1B use in medical residencies are overstated, and the administration has not announced any exemptions to the new fee.