U.S. President Donald Trump on Sept. 19 signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa petitions for workers applying from outside the U.S., citing abuse of the program and its impact on American wages. The rule, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sept. 21 and lasts for 12 months unless extended, directs the Departments of Homeland Security and State to verify payment before approving petitions. Employers must retain proof of payment, and the Homeland Security secretary may grant exemptions only when hiring foreign specialists is deemed in the U.S. national interest.

The White House