White House statement on work visa increase: It will not be affected

U.S. President Donald Trump had signed an executive order requiring companies to pay $100,000 for the "H-1B" work visa granted to high-skilled workers.

The executive order signed yesterday caused concern among companies in the U.S. After companies called on their employees not to leave the country, the White House issued a statement today to clarify the matter. 

In its statement, the White House announced that valid visa holders re-entering the country will not be affected by the order, which goes into effect tomorrow. It was stated that the decision for companies to pay $100,000 for the "H-1B" work visa will apply to new applicants. An unnamed White House official stated, "This is a one-time payment. It only applies to new visas, not renewals or existing visa holders."

REACTION FROM INDIA

A harsh reaction to Trump's decision came from India. In a statement regarding the issue by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, a warning was issued that the requested fee would have "humanitarian consequences" due to the harm it causes to families. The statement noted that the exchange of skilled workers makes a major contribution to both countries, adding, "Therefore, policymakers will evaluate the recent steps, taking into account mutual benefits, including the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries."

The U.S.-based Pew Research Center announced that approximately 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024, and that about 260,000 of these were visa renewals.

News Source: İHA