{"id":53607,"date":"2025-09-25T05:08:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T09:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/us-lawmakers-intensify-scrutiny-on-h-1b-visa-program-amid-layoffs-trump-administration-imposes-100000-fee\/53607\/"},"modified":"2025-09-25T05:08:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T09:08:45","slug":"us-lawmakers-intensify-scrutiny-on-h-1b-visa-program-amid-layoffs-trump-administration-imposes-100000-fee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/us-lawmakers-intensify-scrutiny-on-h-1b-visa-program-amid-layoffs-trump-administration-imposes-100000-fee\/53607\/","title":{"rendered":"US Lawmakers Intensify Scrutiny on H-1B Visa Program Amid Layoffs, Trump Administration Imposes $100,000 Fee"},"content":{"rendered":"

US lawmakers are intensifying their scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, requesting comprehensive data from major companies by October 10th on foreign worker wages and any potential displacement of American employees. This move comes as the Trump administration implements a substantial increase in H-1B visa fees, aiming to overhaul the program amidst concerns over job security for U.S. citizens.<\/p>\n

H-1B Visa Program Under Fire Amidst Layoffs and New Fees<\/h2>\n

US Senators have sent letters to prominent technology firms, including Amazon<\/strong> (AMZN<\/a>) and Apple<\/strong> (AAPL<\/a>), initiating an investigation into their use of H-1B visas, particularly in light of increased layoffs across the American workforce. The inquiry seeks information on H-1B worker wages and whether these foreign workers are displacing American employees.<\/p>\n

Simultaneously, the Trump administration has announced a significant hike in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge<\/strong> for new H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S., effective September 21, 2025. This dramatic increase is intended to address perceived abuses of the program, which the White House claims has been exploited to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. The new fee primarily targets new applicants, not renewals or current visa holders.<\/p>\n

Major tech companies, including Amazon<\/strong> (AMZN<\/a>), Google<\/strong> (GOOGL<\/a>), and Microsoft<\/strong> (MSFT<\/a>), have reportedly warned H-1B visa holders not to leave the U.S. and urged those currently overseas to return promptly due to the new fee structure. Despite widespread layoffs, an analysis of federal data indicates that several U.S. employers, including Amazon<\/strong> (AMZN<\/a>), have increased their H-1B visa sponsorships in 2025. Amazon<\/strong> (AMZN<\/a>) saw its approvals rise from 9,257 in 2024 to 10,044 in 2025, making it the largest H-1B sponsor. Other companies like Meta<\/strong> (META<\/a>) and Apple<\/strong> (AAPL<\/a>) are also reportedly expanding their foreign hiring.<\/p>\n

Critics argue that the expanded use of H-1B visas can undermine opportunities for U.S. employees, especially during periods of mass layoffs. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) highlighted that the top 30 H-1B employers hired over 34,000 new H-1B workers in 2022, while simultaneously laying off at least 85,000 workers in 2022 and early 2023. In a further development, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has called for an end to work permits for student visa holders, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), citing concerns about competition with American workers and potential espionage risks.<\/p>\n

Moderna Boosts UK Life Sciences with \u00a31 Billion Investment<\/h2>\n

In a significant boost for the UK's life sciences sector, Moderna<\/strong> (MRNA<\/a>) is investing over \u00a31 billion<\/strong> in UK research and development (R&D) as part of a 10-year strategic partnership with the British government. This substantial investment includes the establishment of a new Innovation and Technology Centre in Oxfordshire.<\/p>\n

The state-of-the-art facility is projected to have the capacity to produce up to 250 million mRNA vaccine doses annually in the event of a pandemic. It is also expected to create approximately 150 highly-skilled jobs, with the first UK-manufactured mRNA vaccine anticipated in 2025. This commitment from Moderna<\/strong> (MRNA<\/a>) stands out amid a challenging investment climate for the pharmaceutical industry in the UK, where other major firms like Merck<\/strong> and AstraZeneca<\/strong> have recently paused or scrapped planned investments.<\/p>\n

Bosch Announces Job Cuts in Germany Amid Market Shifts<\/h2>\n

German industrial conglomerate Bosch<\/strong> is planning to cut approximately 1,100 jobs<\/strong> at its Reutlingen plant by 2029. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at shifting the plant's focus from electronic control units to semiconductors. The company cited intense pricing pressure and increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers in the European market for control units as key drivers for the restructuring.<\/p>\n

These job reductions follow earlier announcements of significant workforce adjustments, with Bosch<\/strong> having indicated plans to cut 8,000 to 10,000 roles in November 2023 due to the "profound transformation" of the automotive sector, slower-than-expected electric vehicle sales, and heightened competition from Chinese imports.<\/p>\n

Hong Kong and China Launch Cross-Boundary Repo Business<\/h2>\n

Hong Kong and mainland China are set to launch a new cross-boundary repurchase (repo) business, marking a further deepening of financial cooperation between the two regions. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the People's Bank of China (PBoC) have announced measures to facilitate this, including the development of an offshore RMB repo business utilizing Northbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral.<\/p>\n

This initiative aims to enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading offshore RMB business hub. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen financial market connectivity, which also includes expanding the range of eligible collateral for the HKMA's RMB Liquidity Facility and further opening up the onshore repurchase agreement market to foreign institutional investors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

US lawmakers are intensifying their scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, requesting comprehensive data from major companies by October 10th 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