Overview

• President Donald Trump signed a decree creating a paid residency ‘golden card’ and raising H‑1B visa costs, with the new fee entering into force Sunday.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is authorized to exempt specific individuals, companies or entire sectors from the H‑1B charge.
• Applicants for the ‘golden card’ pay $1 million to the U.S. Treasury or $2 million if company‑sponsored, receiving expedited processing for permanent residency.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the policy aims to curb reliance on foreign labor and encourage firms to hire and train U.S. graduates.
• Tech employers and Indian industry groups voiced urgent concerns, with Reuters reporting Microsoft and JPMorgan advised H‑1B staff abroad to return before the rule takes effect; about 400,000 H‑1B visas were approved in 2024, roughly three quarters for Indian nationals.