Atlanta, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Trump administration’s increase in H-1B visa fees from $10,000 to $100,000 poses significant challenges for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Atlanta. This tenfold rise in costs is forcing companies like Sunray Corp. to rethink business strategies. Immigration attorney Navneet Chugh highlights that small and mid-sized firms will face additional hurdles, especially as the annual H-1B visa cap remains low compared to the U.S. labor force size. This issue is exacerbated by ongoing immigration raids and shifting policies affecting immigrant workers.
Atlanta – The Trump administration is significantly increasing the fee for each new H-1B visa from $10,000 to $100,000, marking a tenfold increase that could heavily impact entrepreneurs and small businesses in Atlanta. The steep rise in this cost has forced many business owners, including IT consulting entrepreneur Sunitha Shivaram, to reconsider their business models.
Sunitha Shivaram, who emigrated from India to the U.S. three decades ago and became a citizen after years on an H-1B visa, has been operating her company, Sunray Corp., in Atlanta for over 20 years. Currently, she employs about 25 staff members, nearly half of whom hold H-1B visas. These workers come from various countries including China, Brazil, Germany, and the U.K.
Immigration attorney Navneet Chugh has noted that small and mid-sized firms will likely struggle with this dramatic hike in visa fees, creating additional challenges for businesses that rely on foreign talent. The annual cap for H-1B visas remains at approximately 85,000, which represents a tiny fraction of the U.S. labor force of 170 million workers. Critics of the policy emphasize that the idea that H-1B visa holders are “taking millions of jobs” is misleading, given the low number of visas issued compared to the country’s vast employment pool.
Despite the heightened regulatory pressure, Shivaram remains resolute in her mission to focus on attracting talent and adapting her business strategies to comply with the changing landscape. The increase in visa fees is part of a broader trend impacting immigrant workers in the U.S., which has been exacerbated by recent immigration raids. These actions have led to the arrest of numerous individuals, posing dilemmas for businesses and individuals seeking legal employment.
In a related incident, immigration enforcement actions at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia led to the discovery of 475 South Korean citizens working illegally. This incident has raised concerns from the South Korean government, which has called for the rights of its citizens to be respected amid the U.S. crackdown on illegal labor.
Moreover, the legal landscape for immigrant workers continues to change daily, with lawsuits being filed in Georgia on behalf of students whose visas were revoked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The strict immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration have contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities, affecting both their personal safety and professional opportunities.
As the new visa fee structures take effect, Atlanta entrepreneurs like Shivaram are left grappling with the implications for their businesses and the future of their immigrant workforce amidst an increasingly stringent immigration policy environment.
FAQ
What are the new H-1B visa fees imposed by the Trump administration?
The Trump administration is raising the fee for each new H-1B visa to $100,000, a tenfold increase.
How will the increase in visa fees affect small businesses?
Small and mid-sized firms may struggle with the increase in visa fees, as noted by immigration attorney Navneet Chugh.
How many H-1B visas are approved annually in the U.S.?
Approximately 85,000 H-1B visas are approved annually in the U.S., which is a small fraction of the country’s 170 million workers.
What concerns have arisen from recent immigration raids?
Recent immigration raids, including one at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, have raised concerns over the treatment of immigrants and their rights.
Key Features of the H-1B Visa Fee Increase
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Fee | $100,000 per new H-1B visa |
| Previous Fee | $10,000 per new H-1B visa |
| Impact on Small Businesses | High costs may force businesses to rethink their workforce strategies |
| Annual H-1B Visas Approved | Approximately 85,000 |
| U.S. Labor Force Size | 170 million workers |
| Recent Immigration Raids | Targeting illegal workers, raising human rights concerns |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
