The Trump administration’s initiative to revamp the H-1B visa lottery system is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which marks a key step towards its public unveiling. This proposed regulation aims to prioritize the highest-paid workers within each occupation, a move intended to enhance the quality of talent entering the U.S. workforce, particularly in the tech sector.
This rule is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reform the H-1B visa program, which is predominantly utilized by technology companies. Notable features of this overhaul include a proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers brought in from outside the country, designed to deter lower-wage jobs from relying on this visa category. Additionally, the Department of Labor is advancing a proposal to increase the minimum wage for H-1B visa holders.
However, employer organizations have expressed concerns that the draft regulations provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could undermine the administration’s objective of allocating visa slots to the most skilled and valuable workers. The final lottery rule was sent to the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on December 19, signaling progress in the regulatory process.
This ongoing review presents a critical opportunity to shape the future landscape of the H-1B program, ensuring that it meets the needs of the industry while also safeguarding American jobs. As stakeholders await the public release of these regulations, the focus remains on balancing the interests of employers with the intent to attract top-tier talent to the United States.