Five ways Trump has changed immigration in the US

Additional legal avenues for residing and working in the United States have been tightened through successive policy adjustments.

A large number of nations flagged as security risks have been placed under full or partial visa and travel restrictions.

Stricter vetting procedures and new regulations requiring many U.S. residents to return to their home countries to apply for green cards have slowed the process.

In September 2025, a $100,000 filing fee for new H‑1B visas—largely held by Indian nationals—shocked the U.S. tech sector. Earlier this month, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on X, external that registrations for 2027 fell 40 %.

“The data clearly signals an end to the abuse of the program through mass, low‑wage applications, and indicates that the H‑1B scheme is now more effectively attracting skilled foreign workers while safeguarding American labor standards,” noted the statement.

Although a court has temporarily blocked the $100,000 fee, the potential penalty has already caused employers to hesitate. Nevertheless, scholars warn that the administration’s goal of preserving American jobs, boosting wages, and curbing outsourcing may remain unrealistic.

A Wharton School of Business study, highlighted by an external link, found that the H‑1B adjustments would have little to no effect on wages for U.S.-born employees, with reduced competition balanced by slower productivity growth.

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