Key Points
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Reed Hastings endorses Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee for new visa petitions.
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H-1B fee aims to focus the program on high-value roles and reduce the need for a lottery system.
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Reed Hastings’ support stands out from most tech executives who oppose the fee.
Reed Hastings backs $100,000 H-1B fee for high-value roles
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, has publicly supported President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. Hastings argued that the higher fee would help focus the H-1B program on high-value roles, ensuring that foreign workers filling specialized jobs truly contribute to the U.S. economy. The announcement drew attention because Hastings is a well-known Democratic supporter and has criticized Trump in the past. His stance differs sharply from most major U.S. tech companies, which have warned that the fee could limit access to international talent.
Hastings tweeted that the increased cost would make companies more selective about hiring foreign workers and reduce reliance on the H-1B lottery system. Currently, the program has 85,000 visa slots available each year, but receives over 400,000 applications, leaving many qualified candidates dependent on chance. By applying the fee, only roles with sufficient value and salary would likely proceed, potentially reducing the mismatch between supply and demand.
H-1B fee expected to impact tech hiring, but aims for quality over quantity
H-1B fee supporters say the policy will encourage U.S. companies to prioritize highly skilled and high-paying positions. Currently, almost half of H-1B applications are in science and technology fields, and many target salaries below $100,000. Critics argue that this may push companies to outsource jobs abroad or reduce overall hiring flexibility, especially for smaller businesses that cannot absorb the additional cost.
Despite these concerns, Hastings believes that the fee could create a more efficient system that rewards quality and innovation rather than sheer numbers. By making companies invest more in each visa application, the program could ensure that foreign talent fills positions where their contributions are most valuable. This approach contrasts with the current lottery method, which randomly selects applicants regardless of the role’s strategic importance.
Reed Hastings’ support diverges from tech industry consensus
Reed Hastings’ endorsement is notable because it contradicts the positions of many senior technology executives, including leaders at Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Tesla. These executives have warned that a $100,000 fee could negatively affect U.S. innovation and make it harder to recruit global talent. Elon Musk and other industry figures expressed concern that higher costs would force companies to either relocate projects or hire fewer foreign employees, potentially slowing growth.
Hastings’ view is unique, emphasizing the long-term benefit of focusing on high-value roles rather than the immediate challenges of increased hiring costs. His position highlights a rare instance of a prominent tech figure publicly supporting a Trump administration policy, despite being a former critic and longtime Democratic donor. This divergence has sparked conversations about the balance between economic efficiency and talent availability in the U.S. tech sector.
H-1B fee clarified by White House as one-time charge
H-1B fee details were clarified by the White House after initial confusion. Hastings described the fee as an annual tax, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the $100,000 charge applies only once to new petitions starting with the March 2026 lottery. It does not affect renewals or current H-1B holders.
The clarification followed reports of companies advising H-1B staff to remain in the U.S. while awaiting confirmation. By applying the fee to new applicants only, the government intends to encourage high-value hiring without disrupting existing visa holders. Analysts say this approach makes the policy more predictable and helps companies plan future recruitment strategies. For Hastings, the one-time nature of the fee reinforces his argument that it is a reasonable tool to prioritize strategic roles in the workforce.
The Bottom Line
The $100,000 H-1B fee represents a significant policy change in U.S. visa programs, and Reed Hastings’ support brings added visibility to the debate. While the fee may limit access for some roles and challenge certain tech companies, it aims to streamline the system and prioritize high-value positions. Hastings’ backing stands out as a rare example of a tech executive endorsing a policy introduced by a political figure he has often criticized.
The initiative also highlights broader discussions about U.S. competitiveness in technology and the best ways to attract and retain global talent. As companies and policymakers adjust to the new rules, the effectiveness of the H-1B fee will likely be measured by whether it successfully balances quality hires with economic growth.
