Overview

• A presidential proclamation requires employers to pay $100,000 per year to sponsor each H-1B worker, with the policy taking effect Sept. 21 for a one-year period unless extended.
• Officials said the Department of Homeland Security will set the payment structure, noting discussions over an upfront charge versus annual installments and citing authority to grant exemptions.
• In a separate order, the administration directed creation of a paid “gold card” pathway that fast-tracks residency for individuals paying $1 million or for companies paying $2 million.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said major companies were briefed and are “on board,” while immigration law experts questioned the president’s authority to levy such a steep fee and signaled likely court challenges.
• On Capitol Hill, Sen. Jim Banks introduced the American Tech Workforce Act to raise H-1B wage floors, end the OPT program, and award visas based on highest compensation, intensifying pressure on tech employers and foreign workers, many from India.