Nvidia CEO Reassures H-1B Visa Holders Over Trump Fee Proposal

Technology giant Nvidia will continue to sponsor H-1B visas for its workers. The company will cover all associated costs, including a new $100,000 fee imposed by a recent executive order from President Donald Trump. This announcement was made by CEO Jensen Huang in a message to staff.

The reassurance aims to calm growing anxiety within the tech sector. Many H-1B visa holders are from India and China. The policy change has created significant uncertainty for them and their employers.

CEO Jensen Huang Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant Workforce

Huang, an immigrant himself, emphasized the critical role of immigration. He stated that the opportunities found in America have profoundly shaped lives. He credited the company’s global talent for its success.

“Legal immigration remains essential to ensuring the US continues to lead in technology and ideas,” Huang wrote. He added that the Trump administration’s recent changes reaffirm this principle. According to Business Insider, he assured employees that Nvidia would handle all visa fees.

Understanding Trump’s New H-1B Visa Order

The executive order, issued on September 19, significantly curtails the H-1B program. It bars new visa holders from entering the US unless their employer pays a $100,000 fee per application. The order does not apply to existing visa holders or applications filed before September 21.

Nvidia is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. California has consistently been the top state for H-1B applications since 2018. The chip industry, like much of the tech sector, relies heavily on specialized foreign workers. Huang has previously noted that about half of the world’s AI researchers are Chinese.

Administration Defends Policy as Pro-American Worker

The Trump administration has defended the new fee. Officials state it is a measure to prioritize American workers. The goal is to make it economically unfeasible for companies to hire foreign workers over citizens.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained the rationale. He said the fee means big tech companies can no longer just train foreign workers. He stated it is designed to protect jobs for Americans.

Legal Challenges Mount Against Visa Fee

The policy has faced immediate backlash from various groups. A coalition of unions and education groups has filed a lawsuit. They argue the President has no authority to unilaterally alter the visa system created by Congress.

The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, calls the fee unprecedented and unlawful. It also warns that exceptions within the policy could lead to selective enforcement and potential corruption. This legal battle is expected to be lengthy.

Nvidia’s firm stance highlights a major corporate pushback against the new H-1B visa rules. The company’s commitment to its global workforce underscores the deep reliance of the U.S. tech industry on foreign talent. The clash between corporate needs and immigration policy is set to continue.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new H-1B visa fee announced by Trump?

President Trump’s executive order imposes a $100,000 fee on each new H-1B visa application. This fee is paid by the sponsoring employer, not the employee. It applies to new applicants seeking entry into the United States.

Does the $100,000 H-1B fee affect current visa holders?

No, the new fee does not apply to existing H-1B visa holders. It also does not affect those who submitted their applications before September 21. The policy specifically targets new applicants.

Why is Nvidia continuing to sponsor H-1B visas despite the cost?

CEO Jensen Huang believes legal immigration is essential for U.S. leadership in technology. The company was built by a global team and relies on worldwide talent. Nvidia has committed to covering all associated fees for its employees.

How has the tech industry reacted to the visa changes?

The industry has reacted with significant concern and legal action. A coalition of groups has sued the administration, calling the fee unlawful. Many companies fear it will hinder their ability to recruit specialized talent.

What was the Trump administration’s reason for the new fee?

The administration states the fee is designed to protect American jobs. Officials argue it makes hiring foreign workers less economical for companies. The goal is to incentivize the hiring and training of U.S. citizens.

Trusted Sources

Business Insider, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)