News Summary
The University of Southern California has recommended that faculty and staff with H-1B work visas avoid international travel due to new immigration restrictions. Following a recent proclamation by the White House imposing a significant fee on new H-1B petitions, concerns have risen about the visa process’s financial strain. Additionally, changes to the H-1B lottery system may prioritize higher-wage jobs. The advisory reflects broader uncertainty in immigration policies affecting H-1B holders, with potential implications for U.S. higher education and small businesses.
Los Angeles, CA – The University of Southern California (USC) has advised its faculty and staff holding H-1B work visas to delay any international travel due to new immigration restrictions recently announced by the White House. In an official statement, USC urged that, “Out of an abundance of caution, all faculty and staff in H-1B status currently in the United States should put international travel plans on hold until they receive further guidance.”
Furthermore, USC has recommended that those H-1B holders currently outside the U.S. should return to the country before the new regulations come into effect. A recent presidential proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on September 19 introduced a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B petition submitted after September 21, which adds financial strain to the visa process.
This new regulation is set to remain in effect for a duration of 12 months unless further extended. It is crucial to note that existing H-1B visa holders, as well as applications for renewals and amendments, are exempt from this new fee, allowing some relief to those already working in the U.S.
The announcement of the new fee has sparked concerns among various stakeholders, especially regarding the potential burden it poses to employers, particularly small businesses. The White House has justified the policy by stating that its aim is to protect U.S. workers and to prevent the misuse of the visa program.
The Department of Homeland Security has also proposed an adjustment in the annual H-1B visa lottery system to prioritize higher-wage and ‘higher-skilled’ positions. For context, USC secured approval for 108 H-1B visas in the fiscal year 2025, indicating the institution’s reliance on this visa category to fill academic positions.
Concerns have been voiced within USC’s faculty regarding the negative impact this new policy could have on the global reputation of U.S. higher education. The competitive edge of the American educational sector is believed to rely heavily on attracting international students and researchers, a point emphasized by faculty members.
A coalition consisting of unions, employers, and religious organizations has already filed a federal lawsuit in San Francisco against the $100,000 fee. They argue that this financial burden disproportionately affects small businesses and startups, which depend on access to international talent.
Legal experts, including immigration lawyers, have asserted that H-1B workers play a vital role in addressing gaps in the U.S. job market rather than displacing American jobs. The new policy, they warn, could have adverse effects on the economy by limiting the workforce available to fill critical positions.
The USC advisory regarding international travel comes amid broader changes to immigration policies that create a climate of uncertainty for H-1B visa holders. Critics of the new fee structure have raised alarms that it may primarily benefit larger corporations while creating significant hurdles for smaller enterprises seeking to recruit overseas talent.
In summary, the recent immigration policy changes initiated by the Trump administration signify a pivotal moment for H-1B visa holders and those who rely on them. The potential for further modifications to the H-1B visa program in the near future looms, leaving many stakeholders in the U.S. educational and business sectors watching closely.
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Additional Resources
- Newsweek: H-1B Visa Warning Issued in California
- Times of India: H-1B Visa Warning by USC
- Hindustan Times: H-1B Visa Holders Alert
- Financial Express: USC Issues H-1B Visa Warning
- Wikipedia: H-1B Visa
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
