National Security Experts Oppose Proposed $103k Fee on H-1B Visas, Warn of Threat to U.S. Competitiveness and Security
August 27, 2026
Press Release
CONTACT: Anna Kumar
WASHINGTON – The Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI) today issued a statement opposing the Trump Administration's proposed rule establishing a $103,265 fee on cap-subject H-1B visa petitions, after a federal judge struck down a similar fee in June.
"A fee of this magnitude will cause real harm to American competitiveness. H-1B visa registrations have already fallen more than 25 percent since 2024. This rule would accelerate that decline.
“The H-1B visa is one of America's most important tools for attracting highly skilled scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators whose work strengthens U.S. national security and technological leadership.
"Executive action and agency rulemaking are not substitutes for congressional action. A modernized H-1B program, with a higher visa cap and strong enforcement against genuine abuse, is what American workers, employers, and communities need.”
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Leaders of CNSI speak and act solely in their individual capacities, and their views should not be attributed to any organization with which they are affiliated.
About CNSI: The Council on National Security and Immigration is a group of American national security leaders who believe immigration reforms are imperative to bolster and maintain the United States’ global leadership in the 21st century. Find out more here: www.cnsiusa.org