Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed his thoughts on US President Donald Trump’s contentious proposal to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, describing it as both a constructive move and a potential hindrance to innovation. Huang believes that while the new policy is aimed at reducing visa misuse, it could also create challenges for skilled immigrants striving to achieve the ‘American dream.’ Last month, the Trump administration revealed a major change to the H-1B visa program, increasing the application fee from $1,000 to $100,000. This decision has sparked considerable debate within the US tech sector. Supporters contend that this adjustment will deter misuse of the visa system and favor domestic hiring.
However, detractors caution that the high cost might exclude smaller companies and international professionals who are essential for advancing technology. In a discussion on The BG2 Podcast with investors Brad Gerstner and David Sacks, Huang presented a balanced perspective. “It’s a great start,” he said, referring to Trump’s initiatives to prevent misuse. “But the $100,000 fee probably sets the bar a little too high.” Huang voiced his concern that the increased fee could dissuade talented international students and skilled workers from establishing their careers in the United States. He acknowledged that while the policy’s aim of safeguarding American jobs is reasonable, its implementation might lead to unintended negative effects.
“It’s a great start,” Huang reiterated, “but the $100,000 fee probably sets the bar a little too high.” The H-1B visa program permits US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized sectors like technology and engineering. The Trump administration’s proposal intends to encourage companies to focus on domestic talent, but industry leaders are apprehensive that it may inadvertently favor large corporations that can manage the substantial fee. Smaller startups and research-oriented organizations might be pushed out of the race for top global talent, they argue. Huang recognized this disparity, cautioning that such regulations could lead to the migration of innovation and investment abroad. “At least it eliminates illegal immigration,” he remarked, acknowledging the policy’s intent.
“But we have to be careful that it doesn’t make foreign students uncomfortable or push them away.” As a Taiwanese immigrant who arrived in the US as a teenager, Huang shared personal insights regarding the significance of immigration in driving American innovation. “Smart people’s desire to come to America and smart students’ desire to stay — those are what I would call KPIs, early indicators of future success,” he noted.
Huang’s recent comments reflect a more tempered view compared to his previous remarks with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on CNBC, where he expressed his satisfaction with President Trump’s actions, stating that immigration is “the foundation of the American dream.” While recognizing the rationale behind the new policy, Huang stressed the need for reforms to strike a balance between protection and accessibility. “Any move that addresses the country’s ability to attract and keep top talent is a step in the right direction,” he stated.
“The H-1B visa change is a good start — but it shouldn’t be the end.” Nvidia, notably, ranks as one of the largest sponsors of H-1B visa holders in the US, having filed 1,519 applications in the last fiscal year, and employs approximately 36,000 individuals globally.
