President Trump instituted a sudden $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications for skilled workers, spurring widespread confusion and concern, particularly across universities and research institutions which rely on international talent. Employers and visa holders scrambled to understand the fee's application and payment process. Major universities like Stanford and Michigan employ hundreds of H-1B visa holders in critical roles. Tech companies warn that the fee hampers startups' ability to attract talent and consolidates power among well-funded corporations. While some industry figures support the change as a negotiation tactic, many caution it risks undermining U.S. innovation and competitiveness in higher education and industry sectors.