How New Fees and Wealth-Based Visas Could Reshape U.S. Immigration
September 25, 2025
Immigration policy in the United States continues to shift in unexpected — and sometimes shocking — ways. Recently, two major announcements from the Trump administration raised concerns for immigrants, employers, and advocates alike. One affects the H-1B visa program, a cornerstone for highly skilled workers in the tech and science sectors. The other introduces an unprecedented new pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, nicknamed the Trump “Gold Card.”
At McBean Law, we help clients nationwide navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law with confidence, compassion, and clarity. Led by Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy, a nationally recognized immigration attorney and 2024, 2025, & 2026 honoree of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, McBean Law brings unmatched experience in both federal policy and courtroom advocacy. Before founding the firm in 2016, Attorney McBean Pompy worked in various roles within the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Congress, and both federal and state courts.
Most recently, Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy was featured in The Wall Street Journal in an interview titled “Legal Experts Explain Impacts of Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee.” She shared key insights on how this dramatic policy change could reshape the tech industry, impact global talent mobility, and influence the future of U.S. immigration law.
A $100,000 Fee for the H-1B Visa Program
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations, particularly in technology, science, and engineering. For decades, it has been an essential tool for American businesses seeking top talent.
But the Trump administration recently announced a staggering $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications.
To put this into perspective, current government filing fees for H-1Bs are nowhere near this amount. A fee of this size is unheard of in the U.S. immigration system. Such a dramatic increase would place a heavy burden on employers and workers alike, and could reshape how companies approach hiring foreign talent.
While officials claim that tech companies are “on board” with the change, it’s clear that industries relying on international talent will take a significant hit if this policy is enforced.
The Trump “Gold Card” Visa: A Pathway for Million-Dollar Donors
The second announcement is even more controversial. The administration has introduced a new immigration initiative, nicknamed the Trump “Gold Card.”
Under this program, the Department of Commerce — not USCIS or the Department of State — would oversee a visa process that allows wealthy foreign nationals to “expedite” their immigration journey if they donate large sums of money to the United States.
Here’s how it reportedly works:
- Individual applicants who donate $1 million to the Department of Commerce would be eligible.
- Corporations could donate $2 million on behalf of an employee or beneficiary.
- The funds would be deposited directly into the Department of Commerce budget.
- In exchange, applicants would receive priority visa processing and even a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
This proposal raises serious concerns. Immigration law is designed to establish clear categories and eligibility rules for who can and cannot enter the country. By allowing wealthy individuals to “buy” expedited access, this program appears to circumvent Congress and existing immigration structures.
Why These Changes Are Concerning
Both announcements highlight a troubling trend: the potential for immigration policy to favor wealth and privilege over fairness and established law.
- The H-1B fee hike could shut out talented professionals and hurt U.S. innovation.
- The Gold Card program undermines congressional authority and suggests that immigration benefits may be available only to the wealthy.
Immigration law is already complex, and sudden changes like these create even more uncertainty for families, workers, and businesses. You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s YouTube video “Breaking news: New Immigration Fees (H1-B and Gold Card)” as she explains what these changes could mean for immigrants, families, and the tech industry — and why it matters to you.
Final Thoughts
Immigration policy is never static, and these latest announcements underscore how quickly the rules can change — sometimes in shocking and unpredictable ways. A $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a “Gold Card” pathway tied to million-dollar donations raise not only financial concerns but also questions of fairness, access, and legality.
For immigrants, families, and employers, the stakes are high. Decisions like these can shape careers, businesses, and futures. That’s why it’s more important than ever to have knowledgeable, compassionate legal guidance on your side.
At McBean Law, we’re committed to helping you navigate these shifting policies with strategy and clarity. If you or your organization may be affected by these changes — or if you simply want to prepare for what comes next, schedule a consultation with us by calling (914) 898-9488 to get experienced legal support for your immigration journey. Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for more resources and updates.
FAQs:
1. What is the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee?
The Trump administration announced a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications. This is unprecedented in U.S. immigration and would dramatically increase costs for employers and workers compared to the current much lower filing fees.
2. Does the $100,000 H-1B fee apply to current visa holders?
No. According to officials, the fee will only apply to new H-1B applicants in upcoming lottery cycles. Existing visa holders and renewals are not subject to this fee.
3. What is the Trump “Gold Card” visa?
The Gold Card is a newly announced program that allows wealthy foreign nationals (or their sponsoring corporations) to donate $1–2 million to the U.S. Department of Commerce in exchange for expedited visa processing and a pathway to citizenship.
4. Why is the Gold Card controversial?
The program appears to bypass Congress and existing immigration law by allowing individuals to “buy” faster immigration benefits. Critics argue it creates unfair advantages for the wealthy and undermines the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
5. How can immigrants and employers prepare for these changes?
With policies shifting rapidly, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. At McBean Law, we help individuals and businesses understand how new rules may impact their cases and develop strategies to protect their immigration goals.
