Overview
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said foreign experts would work in the U.S. for three to seven years to train American employees before returning home.
- In a Fox News interview, President Trump argued the country lacks “certain talents” and defended bringing in specialized workers for complex roles.
- A September proclamation requires an additional $100,000 payment on certain new H‑1B petitions filed after September 21, with reports noting renewals submitted earlier are unaffected.
- The Labor Department has opened roughly 175 investigations into alleged H‑1B abuses, including low wages, sham worksites and benching.
- The mixed message of strict enforcement and limited temporary hiring has drawn backlash from MAGA influencers, prompted employer confusion and legal challenges, and spurred rivals like Canada and China to court skilled talent.