Overview

• Under the proclamation, U.S. employers must pay $100,000 each year to sponsor every H‑1B worker, up from prior fees that typically totaled a few thousand dollars.
• The restrictions apply to foreign workers seeking entry after Sept. 21, with the DHS secretary authorized to exempt specific people, companies or entire industries in the national interest.
• The White House also unveiled an expedited residency “Gold Card” pathway requiring $1 million from individuals or $2 million from corporate sponsors.
• Immigration lawyers and policy experts question the president’s authority to set such a fee without Congress, signaling likely court challenges.
• India’s government and Nasscom warned of business disruption and family impacts as attorneys urged H‑1B holders abroad to return before the deadline, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said major companies were briefed and support the change.