Today, Explained $100,000 for a visa
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Sep 25, 2025 
Michelle Hackman, an immigration reporter at the Wall Street Journal, and Britta Glennon, a management professor at Wharton, delve into the implications of the Trump administration's controversial $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. They discuss the chaotic rollout of the fee, its potential economic harm, and how it may stunt innovation and startup growth. Britta highlights research showing immigrants boost job creation, while both explore better reform options beyond the current administration's approach.
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H-1B Is The Primary Skilled-Worker Route
- The H-1B is the main visa for foreign professionals and recent graduates to work and stay in the U.S.
- It is three years, renewable once, and subject to an 85,000 annual cap decided by lottery.
Outsourcing Firms Drive Much Backlash
- Many H-1Bs are used by outsourcing IT firms that staff client companies instead of those companies hiring internal workers.
- This staffing model drives much of the political backlash against the program.
Gold Card Idea Influenced Fee Concept
- The $100,000 idea grew from the administration's 'gold card' concept to sell faster paths to residency to rich applicants.
- Officials framed a big fee as a way to downsize immigration and keep only wealthy, high-paid applicants.