Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings backs Trump’s $100K H-1B visa fee, calling it a “great solution,” as Silicon Valley fears talent loss. [Photo: Reuters]
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has shocked Silicon Valley by supporting President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Unlike most tech leaders, Hastings praised the move, saying it will bring more certainty to the system.
In a post on X, Hastings wrote: "I've worked on H1-B politics for 30 years. Trump's $100k per year tax is a great solution. It will mean H1-B is used just for very high-value jobs, which will mean no lottery needed, and more certainty for those jobs."
The H-1B program allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialized jobs. Every year, 85,000 visas are issued, while applications cross 400,000. Nearly half of these are for tech and science roles. Around 30% of the jobs under the program pay $100,000 or less.
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Reed Hastings’ post created confusion. He described the fee as an annual cost. The White House later clarified that the $100,000 payment is a one-time fee for new petitions. It will not apply to renewals or existing visa holders.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X: "This is NOT an annual fee," confirming that the policy will start with the March 2026 lottery cycle.
The executive order signed by Trump on Friday led to panic across the tech industry. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Tesla asked H-1B employees to remain in the US. Some even advised staff abroad to return before the deadline.
Reports said that at San Francisco airport, several passengers left India-bound flights after learning about the new rules.
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Tech giants may manage the extra costs, but smaller startups fear major setbacks. Hiring international talent may become unaffordable for them. Many startups warn the new fee could cut short their financial runway by months.
Industry voices say the move could hurt innovation and diversity in the US job market. Critics believe only large corporations will dominate the H-1B pool if the fee stays.
Hastings’ support stands out because he is a prominent Democratic donor and an outspoken Trump critic. He had earlier said Trump "would destroy much of what is great about America."
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His endorsement adds a new twist to the H-1B debate. It shows that even among Trump critics, there are voices that support a higher barrier for foreign hiring.
Canada, Germany, and Australia are positioning themselves as more hospitable countries as the US increases the cost of skilled visas. Experts warn that America's more stringent regulations might drive top talent abroad.
Since Indian IT workers make up the majority of H-1B applications, this strategy may compel them to look for jobs outside of the US.
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