Proclamation September 24, 2025 Doc #2025-18601 Proclamation 10973

Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers

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In Simple Terms

The president has made it harder for some foreign workers to enter the U.S. by requiring companies to pay $100,000 for certain visas. This aims to protect American jobs and wages.

Summary

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on September 19, 2025, restricting the entry of certain nonimmigrant workers under the H-1B visa program. This action aims to address the reported abuse of the program, which has allegedly led to the replacement of American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, particularly in the STEM fields. The proclamation mandates that companies seeking to hire H-1B workers must pay an additional $100,000 fee unless the hiring is deemed in the national interest by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The restriction is set to last for 12 months, during which time the administration will also work on revising prevailing wage levels and prioritizing high-skilled, high-paid foreign workers.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

September 19, 2025

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

September 24, 2025

Document #2025-18601

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

Working families and individuals: May see increased job opportunities in STEM fields as fewer foreign workers compete.
Small business owners: Could face higher costs hiring foreign specialists due to the new $100,000 fee.
Students and recent graduates: Might find more entry-level tech jobs available as competition from foreign workers decreases.
Retirees and seniors: Likely no direct impact, but potential positive effects if family members gain employment.
Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Urban areas might experience more significant changes due to higher concentration of tech jobs.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

American IT workers benefit from reduced competition for job opportunities.
H-1B visa applicants face challenges due to increased entry restrictions.
Information technology sector impacted by changes in workforce availability.
Department of Homeland Security responsible for implementing visa restrictions.
Tech industry advocacy groups likely to oppose restrictions on foreign workers.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3–12 months):

H-1B visa applications decrease due to $100,000 fee requirement.
Immediate reduction in foreign worker entry in IT sectors.
Increased scrutiny on H-1B application processes.

Long-term (1–4 years):

Potential rise in wages for American IT workers.
Companies explore alternative outsourcing strategies.
STEM fields experience increased domestic enrollment.

📚 Historical Context

President Trump restricted H-1B visas in June 2020, citing economic recovery needs.
Builds on Trump's 2020 policy, further tightening H-1B visa requirements with a $100,000 fee.
Obama's 2012 executive order promoted STEM visas, contrasting with current restriction trend.
Historically notable: unprecedented $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions to deter misuse.
Emphasizes national security concerns, echoing Cold War-era policies limiting foreign tech influence.