It’s Afghanistan in ‘Tech’-nicolor as Hordes Rush to the US to Avoid New $100K Fee for H1-B Visas

Anyone who paid any attention to the news in 2021 no doubt recalls the scene of Afghans hopelessly rushing to board departing U.S. aircraft as Biden pulled our forces out of the country and left everthing to the Taliban.

President Trump’s announcement yesterday that an H1-B Visa — the type that fuels employment in tech industries — will cost $100,000 starting tomorrow created an avalanche of warnings to get your butt to the U.S. before the fee takes effect, and if already here, to stay put

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Google, Microsoft, and other technological giants, upon learning of the fee, scrambled to warn H1-B Visa holders to stay in the country — and to advise those hoping to get here H1-B style to board a plane ASAP.

Microsoft told employees: “If you are in H-1B status and are in the U.S., you should remain in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.”

The White House was quick to clarify that the fee applies only to new visa seekers and is a one-time only requirement. The administration also clarified that those currently holding H1-B Visas are free to travel.

President Trump said the fee was another effort in his ongoing program to put American workers first.

At the same time, the administration announced a $1 million immigration Gold Card for anyone with the cash to buy one. The other qualification is that applicants must show an “extraordinary ability” to work in their chosen field.