Major technology firms are devising strategies to minimize costs from a Trump administration proposal that would impose $100,000 fees on H-1B visas for certain foreign workers. Sources familiar with internal discussions say corporate legal teams are reviewing employment structures, including potential subsidiary shifts and contractual adjustments, to reduce obligations under the planned policy change.

The proposed fee – part of broader immigration reforms targeting companies with over 50 employees and at least half foreign workers – could increase annual visa costs tenfold for some roles. While smaller tech firms would face fewer options to absorb or avoid the expenses, large corporations appear better positioned to leverage complex corporate structures and global hiring networks.

This financial maneuvering highlights growing tensions between Silicon Valley and Washington over skilled labor policies. The White House argues higher fees will incentivize domestic hiring, but critics counter that the move could disrupt critical engineering pipelines without addressing systemic workforce shortages. Several Fortune 500 companies have already restructured international hiring programs in anticipation of the changes.