JD Vance defends new H-1B fee, says US firms should hire and train Americans

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration’s new fee on H-1B visas, saying American companies should focus on hiring and training workers from the country.

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“If an American corporation needs workers, it should hire and train Americans,” Vance said in a post on X.


His comments came amid debate over the administration’s move to raise the cost of hiring skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa programme.

The H-1B programme allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised roles. Technology firms and other businesses have relied on the programme to fill positions that require technical and specialised skills.

Vance’s statement reflects the administration’s position that American workers should get priority when companies seek to fill jobs.

Also Read| H-1B visa fees likely to be increased to more than $100,000 by US govt. Who will be affected?

The Trump administration on Monday announced a proposed $103,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications for highly skilled foreign workers. The charge would apply to new H-1B visas and sharply raise the cost for US companies seeking to hire workers through the programme.

The proposal seeks to formalise the fee through a regulation after it was introduced last year through a temporary presidential proclamation. The move has faced legal challenges, with opponents questioning the administration’s authority to impose the charge.