Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that will increase the cost of applying for an H-1B visa from $1,500 to over $100,000 per year, for up to six years. The drastic hike, which takes effect September 21 and applies only to new applicants, has sparked outrage among immigration advocates and tech leaders. Trump argues the change is necessary to stop “abuse” of the system and prioritize American workers, though critics say it will effectively shut out skilled foreign talent. Ironically, First Lady Melania Trump once entered the U.S. on an H-1B visa herself.

The H-1B visa, widely used by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Tesla, allows skilled foreign workers to fill roles U.S. companies struggle to staff domestically. Immigration experts warn this move could be the “nail in the coffin” for many professionals hoping to work in the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the policy, saying companies must now weigh whether foreign workers are worth the steep cost. Meanwhile, a new “gold card” visa will fast-track wealthy applicants willing to invest $1 million or more, further deepening concerns over equity and access in U.S. immigration policy.