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A newly imposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications is raising concerns in North Texas, where a large share of the economy depends on high-skilled foreign workers in sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare.

As reported by The Dallas Morning News , the policy was announced by President Donald Trump in a surprise proclamation, which stated that the fee aims to protect American workers and prevent the exploitation of the visa program by companies seeking cheaper labor. However, local experts, companies, and immigration attorneys warn the sudden shift could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and communities across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where demand for specialized workers continues to rise.

Dallas-Fort Worth companies have received more than 12,000 H-1B approvals since 2009, with firms like Infosys, Charles Schwab, AT&T, Caterpillar, and American Airlines among the top users of the program in the region. While large corporations may have the resources to absorb the fee, many smaller and mid-sized businesses, including tech startups and law firms, say the cost could make it financially unfeasible to hire internationally.

“It’s a big hit, because of the huge increase in labor costs,” said SMU economist Dean Stansel. “If you’re going to make that more costly, you’re going to get less of it. We’re going to be poorer than we would’ve been without this.”

The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for specialized roles that are often hard to fill domestically. While capped at 85,000 visas annually, that number does not include those issued to universities and research institutions, which are also active users of the program. Most recipients work in STEM-related fields, and a significant majority come from India, according to Pew Research Center data .

The new fee has already triggered confusion, as Business Insider reported, some H-1B holders preparing to leave the U.S. rushed off planes amid fears they might not be allowed to return. The wording of the proclamation initially left open the possibility that existing visa holders could be affected. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to new applications.

Still, the uncertainty and abruptness of the change sparked what one local attorney called “absolute, full-blown panic.” Pallavi Ahluwalia, a North Texas-based immigration lawyer, told The Dallas Morning News that her firm received close to 100 urgent inquiries from employers and employees alike.

Richard Gump, another Dallas-based immigration attorney, described the fee as “a kind of tariff on visas,” emphasizing that it could shut smaller firms out of the international talent pool.

Broader Implications for North Texas

The Dallas Regional Chamber, a major voice for the business community in North Texas, declined to comment to The Dallas Morning News. AT&T, the area’s largest private employer, said it was reviewing the impact of the policy, but noted that only a small percentage of its positions require skills that cannot be filled domestically.

Beyond its immediate effect on employers, experts argue the fee could have broader economic consequences. High-skilled jobs supported through H-1B hiring tend to generate additional employment across other sectors, from local services to professional support roles.

India’s government also criticized the move , citing potential humanitarian concerns for affected workers and families.