Summary
President Trump introduced new changes to the H-1B visa program, requiring a $100,000 fee for each visa. Rural schools in the U.S., which rely on international teachers with these visas, face challenges because they cannot afford the new fee.
Key Facts
- President Trump signed an executive order that includes a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
- Many rural school districts in the U.S., like in Hardin, Montana, depend on international teachers who use these visas.
- The H-1B visa allows foreign workers, including teachers, to work in the U.S. for several years.
- Rural districts struggle to attract enough local teachers, partly due to low applicant numbers.
- More than 20,000 educators in the U.S. are on H-1B visas, making it a common use for this visa type.
- Schools may lose their international teachers if they cannot afford the visa fees.
- The new visa fee is aimed at reducing foreign workers in high-paying tech jobs, but it affects teachers as well.
- The White House paused J1 visa interviews temporarily this year, adding to hiring difficulties for schools.
