Fact Check: Social Media Claim of $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee by Trump Debunked

A recent tweet from the account "Autism Capital 🧩" has circulated online, claiming that former President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising H-1B visa fees to "$100,000 PER YEAR PER EMPLOYEE" to promote hiring American workers. The tweet, dated September 20, 2025, asserted this measure would discourage companies from sponsoring foreign employees. However, investigations into the claim reveal no evidence to support such an executive order or fee increase.

Official records and news archives indicate that Donald Trump's presidential term concluded in January 2021, making it impossible for him to sign an executive order in September 2025. As of the current date, he is a former president and a candidate for the 2024 election, not the sitting head of state. This fundamental discrepancy immediately casts doubt on the tweet's veracity.

Furthermore, a comprehensive review of H-1B visa fee structures shows current fees are significantly lower than the amount cited in the tweet. Employers typically pay a base filing fee, an American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee, a fraud prevention and detection fee, and potentially a Public Law 114-113 fee, totaling several thousand dollars, not $100,000 per employee annually. There have been no official announcements or legislative changes proposing such a drastic increase.

During his presidency, Donald Trump did implement various policies aimed at tightening immigration and promoting "Hire American" initiatives, including modifications to H-1B visa rules. These changes primarily focused on prioritizing highly skilled workers and increasing scrutiny of applications, but none involved a $100,000 annual fee. The claim appears to be a piece of misinformation circulating on social media.

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, requiring a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. The program is integral to various industries, particularly technology, and has been a frequent subject of debate regarding its impact on the American workforce and immigration policy. This unverified claim serves as a reminder of the need for critical evaluation of information shared on social media platforms.