The Trump administration has announced stricter rules for H-1B visas, drawing criticism from immigration experts. Sarah Pierce called the stance “shockingly anti-business.” She warned that foreign students and workers are being discouraged from coming to the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security proposed scrapping the lottery system and using a weighted selection favoring higher-skilled applicants. A $100,000 fee per new application was also introduced, sparking concerns of legal challenges. Pierce said the fee is “absurdly high” and likely to be contested in court.
Critics argue the changes could hurt US universities and businesses. International students contribute significant revenue for tuition and scholarships, which benefits American students. The deportation of foreign workers in some industries highlighted conflicts between immigration policies and economic goals.
The White House defended the measures as a way to prioritize American workers and prevent system abuses. Pierce acknowledged existing H-1B issues but emphasized reforms could be done carefully without dismantling the program. Corporations are reportedly hesitant to speak out due to fear of the administration.
