What once flew under the radar is now front-page news: the U.S. government’s stunning decision to impose a **$100,000 fee** on each H-1B visa for skilled foreign workers has ignited fierce debate across Silicon Valley, Capitol Hill, and Main Street. But this policy didn’t emerge from thin air—it’s the explosive result of a tech job crisis that’s left thousands of American graduates unemployed while companies still recruit globally.
From Quiet Grievance to National Policy
For years, advocates like Kevin Lynn—head of the Institute for Sound Public Policy—warned that U.S. tech firms were sidelining domestic talent in favor of cheaper H-1B hires. Their message was largely ignored—until mass layoffs hit. Since 2022, over **250,000 tech workers** have been let go, while unemployment in computer-related fields has surged, especially among recent college grads.
“Our voices are being heard,” Lynn told The New York Times. “Some are really resonating now.”
Why the $100,000 Fee?
The fee isn’t just symbolic—it’s designed to force employers to **exhaust domestic hiring options first**. With foreign nationals making up roughly **20% of the 2.3 million software developers** in the U.S., critics argue the H-1B system has been abused to suppress wages and bypass American job seekers.
Infographic: H-1B Visas & the U.S. Tech Job Crisis
| Metric | Pre-2022 | 2025 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Layoffs (Cumulative) | ~30,000 | 250,000+ |
| Unemployment in CS Fields | 2.1% | 6.8% |
| H-1B Approvals (Annual) | ~85,000 | Still ~85,000 (despite layoffs) |
| New H-1B Fee | $460 (standard) | $100,000 (per visa) |
Who’s Behind the Push?
- Kevin Lynn’s advocacy group – Campaigning since 2018 against outsourcing
- Laura Loomer and “America First” activists – Amplified the issue post-election
- Unemployed U.S. tech grads – Facing stiff competition despite degrees
- President Trump – Framed the fee as “protecting American innovation”
While tech giants warn the policy could cripple U.S. competitiveness, supporters see it as long-overdue accountability. As one laid-off engineer in Austin put it: “If there are no jobs for us, why are they flying in talent from halfway around the world?”
