Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of tech CEOs and senior executives, today urged the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed $103,265 supplemental fee on petitions for H-1B visas, a visa program that allows foreign workers with skills in specialized fields to work temporarily in the U.S. In a letter filed as part of DHS’ comment period on its proposed rule, “Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions,” TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore emphasized that this exorbitant new processing fee would be a significant cost barrier for American companies — particularly tech startups and small businesses — to hiring the skilled workers needed to drive continued innovation. She also stressed that it would undercut the shared goals of the tech industry and Trump Administration to create prosperity for American communities and to lead the world in developing the technologies shaping the future. Moore stated:
“TechNet’s member companies depend on a skilled workforce to develop innovative technologies and create new opportunities for Americans. While our industry invests heavily in training programs to prepare American workers for in-demand fields, employers also rely on the H-1B program to fill specialized roles quickly. A six-figure processing fee would effectively shut down a talent pipeline that is critical to American innovation and risk driving the world’s top minds to competitors like China. We urge DHS to withdraw this proposal and work with industry on an approach that supports employers’ ability to grow and innovate in the United States.”
TechNet’s letter outlined detailed concerns with how DHS’ proposed rule would disproportionately burden startups and smaller employers, shift business investment and supporting employment abroad, and weaken the retention of U.S.-educated talent. It also questioned the statutory authority and cost justification underpinning the rule, and called for a reassessment of the workforce demand assumptions and estimated cumulative economic effects.
Read the full comment letter here.