President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a dramatic $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, effective September 21, 2025. This fee represents a 6,566.7% increase over the prior $1,500 charge, sending shockwaves through U.S. tech companies and international student communities reliant on the visa for skilled talent recruitment. The rule exempts current visa holders and renewals but has created widespread confusion among corporations and visa holders alike, leading major tech firms including Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet to advise employees to avoid foreign travel. The White House quickly clarified the fee as a one-time petition charge, not an annual payment. This move, part of a broader immigration overhaul including new "gold card" and "platinum card" visas, faces legal questions about authority and constitutional challenges. Critics warn this could significantly reduce H-1B visa use and alter the future of skilled immigration to the U.S.