Elon Musk’s Past Praise of H-1B Visas Faces Scrutiny as Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee

A new policy from former President Donald Trump is set to increase the annual H-1B visa fee to $100,000, sparking significant concern among immigration attorneys and companies that rely on skilled foreign workers. The move has raised questions about its impact on the U.S. economy and its potential to hinder the flow of global talent. This decision follows Trump’s previous expressions of intent to tighten regulations around the H-1B program, often framed as a measure to protect American workers. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to employ highly skilled foreign workers. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has previously voiced strong support for the H-1B visa program, noting its contribution to companies like SpaceX and Tesla. As of June 2025, Amazon led in the number of H-1B visa holders, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple. Immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn predicts that the policy will likely limit job mobility and increase the cost of H-1B renewals, potentially driving skilled workers to other countries.