Overview

• The decree establishes a fast‑track residency card for foreigners with “exceptional qualities” in exchange for $1 million paid to the U.S. Treasury, or $2 million if sponsored by a company.
• Employers will be charged $100,000 per year for H‑1B visas, up from just under $1,000, targeting a program widely used by high‑tech firms.
• A copy of the order says fees will be required for entrants beginning Sunday, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem empowered to grant exemptions to individuals, companies, or sectors.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the policy is intended to push large companies to train U.S. graduates rather than rely on foreign labor.
• Tech entrepreneurs have warned of talent shortfalls, pointing out that Indian nationals receive about three‑quarters of H‑1B approvals and that major firms rely on these workers.