The U. S. Visa System: A New Approach or a Costly Mistake?

The U. S. government has recently made significant changes to its visa system. The H-1B visa, which allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers, now comes with a much higher price tag. The fee has jumped from $2, 000 to $5, 000 to a staggering $100, 000. This change has sparked debates about its legality and practicality. Critics argue that the president does not have the authority to make such a drastic change unilaterally. The H-1B program was established by Congress, and altering it requires legislative action. Moreover, the new fees could have serious consequences for the U. S. economy. Skilled foreign workers play a crucial role in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and academia. For instance, many of the companies that developed COVID-19 vaccines relied on H-1B workers. Raising the fees could limit the ability of rural hospitals to attract doctors and universities to hire scientists. It could also lead to more jobs being outsourced, as companies might find it cheaper to operate abroad. The administration has also introduced new visa programs, the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card. These programs allow foreigners to obtain legal permanent residency or spend up to 270 days in the U. S. without paying taxes on non-U. S. income, for a significant fee. However, these programs have raised concerns about their constitutionality and the message they send about U. S. immigration policy. Other countries offer similar programs, but they usually come with investment requirements. The U. S. programs, on the other hand, seem to prioritize wealth over merit and family ties. The changes to the visa system have been criticized for being more about politics than sound policy. They could lead to lawsuits and confusion among companies and employees. Instead of making such drastic changes, the administration should work with Congress to fix the existing issues with the H-1B program. The current approach seems to be more about monetizing the visa system than improving it.