TRUMP PLAN WOULD RAISE H-1B WORKER COSTS 30%

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

FRI, MAY 8, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

The Trump administration is proposing to significantly increase minimum salary requirements for H-1B visa holders, making it substantially more expensive for US employers to hire foreign workers.

Under the proposal, entry-level software engineers would need annual salaries of $162,000 in San Francisco, $132,000 in New York, and $113,000 in Dallas — increases of roughly 30% across major tech hubs. The changes would apply minimum wage thresholds tied to prevailing wage rates in specific regions and job categories. H-1B visas currently allow US companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Proponents argue higher salary floors would protect American workers from wage competition and ensure employers prioritize domestic talent. Critics contend the policy could reduce access to skilled workers and increase operational costs for tech companies that rely heavily on visa sponsorships. The proposal represents a significant shift in immigration policy toward the visa program, which has been a focal point of Trump administration labor priorities. Implementation would require regulatory changes through the Department of Labor.

■ SOURCES

► Bloomberg Tech ► Bloomberg Tech

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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TRUMP PLAN WOULD RAISE H-1B WORKER COSTS 30%

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