Trump's $100,000 visa fee spurs confusion and chaos

The White House sought to clarify the proclamation on Saturday, but many companies remained cautious. “We are still flying in somewhat foggy conditions,” one attorney said.

- MADELEINE NGO, LAUREN HIRSCH & PRANAV BASKAR

Wall Street banks and tech companies big and small were scrambling on Saturday to figure out how their tens of thousands of employees would be affected by United States (US) President Trump's proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee for visas granted to skilled foreign workers.

The change set off immediate confusion over the exact rules and how they would be enforced. Shortly after Trump signed the proclamation on Friday, employees at Microsoft, Amazon and JPMorgan received notices advising those with H-1B visas who were outside the US to return before the new rules take effect at 12:01am Eastern time on Sunday.

The Trump administration sought to address the confusion on Saturday by saying that the fee would only apply to new applicants, and renewals or current visa holders would not be affected. In a post on social

media, the White House said the change would “not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to/from the US”