WASHINGTON, D.C. – FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement today after President Trump signed an executive order that would move to overhaul the H-1B visa program, requiring a new $100,000 fee per year:

“This proposed order to attach a $100,000 annual fee on every new and existing H-1B visa would clearly slam the door on talent that drives America’s innovation and prosperity. This drastic and unlawful move would deeply harm our economy by driving companies to relocate, cutting jobs for immigrants and native-born Americans alike, slowing wage growth, and increasing costs for families for all Americans – all while pushing the United States behind in the global race for talent.

“For international students, the H-1B program is often the only pathway to put their American education to work at American companies. By making this process prohibitively expensive, this order — which is unlawful — is effectively telling the world’s brightest graduates to take their skills elsewhere, undermining our universities, businesses, and long-term competitiveness.

“America and Americans have always benefited from being a nation that, albeit imperfectly, welcomed immigrants. That is why, for more than a decade, FWD.us has worked with business leaders, universities, and bipartisan policymakers to reform, improve, and expand immigration pathways, including H1-B visas. We should be working to build a more prosperous and fair country for all Americans, not shutting down vital immigration pipelines that force people to thrive and innovate elsewhere.”

Additional FWD.us Resources:
Campaigns: Winning the Global Race for Talent & Protecting the American Workforce
Policy Brief: H1-B Program
Policy Brief: International Students Drive Innovation