Immigration Founder: New H-1B Fee Hurts America, Ingraham Responds
The introduction of a new $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa has sparked considerable debate about its impact on America’s tech industry. Xavier Fernandes, founder of the immigration agency Y-Axis, voiced concerns regarding this fee during a CBS News segment, emphasizing that the hike represents a significant loss for America.
Impact of H-1B Visa Fee on Tech Talent
Fernandes pointed out that many prominent tech leaders hail from Hyderabad, India, a city recognized as a hub for skilled technology professionals. He remarked that such talent cannot simply be replicated in the U.S. “Indians are the new oil, coal, or gas; it’s brain power to run modern industries,” he stated during the program.
Frustration among Indian Techies
- Rajesh Jaknalli, a tech worker from Hyderabad, expressed disappointment at the fee, stating it dashed his hopes of moving to the U.S.
- Hameed Abdul opted to relocate to Canada, citing the new fee as a barrier to achieving his American dream.
Several others shared similar frustrations, highlighting a growing sentiment among Indian tech professionals regarding their future opportunities in the U.S.
Reactions to the New Fee
Laura Ingraham from Fox News criticized the H-1B visa fee increase, arguing that it supports industrial-scale fraud and undermines American workers. Her comments echoed sentiments expressed by former President Donald Trump, who previously stated that the U.S. needed to attract talent from abroad. However, he was met with pushback, with Ingraham insisting that there are sufficient skilled individuals in the U.S.
Statistical Trends in Visa Applications
Recent data from the Department of Labor indicates that major tech companies have scaled back their H-1B visa applications following the fee increase. Key statistics include:
| Company | Change in H-1B Applications |
|---|---|
| Apple | Decreased |
| Decreased by approximately 50% | |
| Meta | Decreased by approximately 50% |
| Microsoft | Decreased |
| Nvidia | Increased from 369 to 434 applications (Q1 2025 to Q1 2026) |
Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, reiterated the company’s commitment to hiring H-1B workers despite the fee, distinguishing it from other tech giants experiencing declines.
Who Bears the Cost of the New Fee?
The new H-1B fee applies primarily to companies hiring candidates from outside the U.S. that must undergo the consular process. Conversely, firms employing foreigners already in the U.S. on other visas will not incur this fee.
This new financial burden has provoked widespread discussions about the future of tech talent acquisition and America’s ability to retain its competitive edge in the global technology landscape.
