Summary
The Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to bring in immigrant workers while making it harder for companies, universities, and hospitals to hire skilled foreign workers. Changes in visa fees and salary rules are aimed at prioritizing American workers for high-skilled jobs. Meanwhile, farming sectors benefit from lower wage requirements and faster visa approvals.
Key Facts
- It's easier to get a visa as a farm worker than as a tech worker, doctor, or researcher.
- H-1B visa changes include higher fees ($100,000 each) and stricter salary rules.
- Most H-1B visas go to tech workers, but universities and hospitals are also affected.
- As of mid-February, only 85 applicants paid the new H-1B fee.
- New reforms allow lower wages for farm workers and quicker visa processing.
- The Department of Labor plans to introduce a new salary formula for H-1B workers.
- Trump allies in Texas and Florida are considering stopping state-sponsored H-1B visas.
- The United Farm Workers union is suing over the new changes that impact farm labor.
