Representative Ro Khanna, whose district covers much of Silicon Valley, has criticized the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 flat fee on new H-1B visas, calling it an overly broad policy that could stifle innovation and penalize startups. While Khanna supports the notion of visa reform, he argues that change should be guided by skill, prevailing wages, and fairness, rather than a one-size-fits-all price tag.
In remarks made on the “All In” podcast, Khanna urged that reforms target abuses such as repeat lottery entries and shell-company strategies, instead of burdening all workforce entrants equally. He cautioned that such a heavy fee could disproportionately disadvantage early-stage companies that lack the financial resources of tech giants.
Khanna emphasized that skilled global talent remains vital, especially in sectors like artificial intelligence, and stressed the need for a balanced approach that protects U.S. workforce interests without undermining America’s competitive edge.
