Top U.S. CEOs Warn Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike Threatens Business and Global Talent
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Blasts Surprise H-1B Visa Fee Hike
NEW YORK — JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon sharply criticized the Trump administration’s sudden decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, calling the move disruptive to businesses and damaging to America’s ability to attract global talent. The fee hike, announced September 21 and implemented immediately, has sent shockwaves through U.S. companies that depend on highly skilled foreign workers. The increase is particularly alarming for firms like JPMorgan that frequently move top specialists across borders.
Dimon: “It Came Out of the Blue”
Speaking to the Times of India, Dimon said the measure blindsided executives.
“It (H-1B visa fee hike) came out of the blue. We’ll be engaging with stakeholders and policymakers,” Dimon said.
He emphasized that H-1B visas are vital for JPMorgan and other multinational corporations, enabling them to transfer experts into new roles across markets. “For us, visas matter because we move people around globally, experts who get promoted to new jobs in different markets,” he explained.
A Nation Built on Immigration
Dimon also framed the issue in historical and personal terms, citing his Greek immigrant grandparents as an example of America’s strength as a diverse nation.
“America is an immigrant nation, and that’s part of its core strength,” Dimon said.
He warned that unexpected policies like this undermine the U.S.’s attractiveness for top global talent, a challenge that could hurt economic competitiveness long term.
Push for Merit-Based Immigration
In a separate interview with CNBC, Dimon reiterated that the policy caught businesses “completely off guard,” leading to frantic calls among executives over the weekend. He stressed his support for merit-based immigration, arguing that the U.S. economy depends on retaining skilled workers from abroad.
“From what I understand, it means new H-1B visas and a lot of H-1Bs go there because they need the expertise. And so I’m sure a lot of people will be going to the American government explaining why we believe in it. I believe in merit-based immigration,” Dimon said.
Broader Fallout
The new fee has already sparked chaos among Indian and other foreign professionals in the U.S., who make up a significant portion of H-1B visa holders. Companies across industries, from finance to tech, are expected to lobby aggressively against the hike. While the Trump administration framed the measure as protecting American jobs, critics argue it will instead discourage innovation and drive talent to other global hubs such as Canada, the U.K., and Singapore.
Bottom Line
Dimon’s comments reflect growing corporate unease with Trump’s unpredictable immigration policies. For America’s largest bank, and many of its peers, the concern is not just cost, but the signal this sends to the global talent pool. If the U.S. is no longer seen as a welcoming destination, companies warn, the damage could be far greater than the fee itself.
Sources
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-says-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-came-out-of-the-blue/articleshow/115476678.cms
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/23/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-on-h-1b-visa-fee-hike.html
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