Jensen Huang Highlights How Trump’s H-1B Policy Changes Could Have Blocked His Family’s Immigration Journey
Nvidia CEO Criticizes Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike: A Barrier for Immigrant Families
Impact of Visa Fee on Immigration
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed concerns that his family’s move to the United States might not have been possible under the current H-1B visa policies implemented by the Trump administration. In September, President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa, which is crucial for foreign professionals with specialized skills. Huang, originally from Taiwan, immigrated to the U.S. at age nine, and his family followed later. He shared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that the substantial cost would have been insurmountable for them back then.
Tech Industry Relies on Foreign Talent
The abrupt hike in visa fees has stunned the tech industry, a sector with significant reliance on international talent. Companies like Amazon, the largest employer of H-1B visa holders in 2025, sponsored over 10,000 applicants. Other tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google also featured prominently in H-1B sponsorships, securing over 4,000 approvals each. According to Huang, immigration serves as the backbone of the American dream, offering individuals the chance to create better futures through hard work and talent.
Nvidia’s Support for Immigrant Employees
Nvidia, under Huang’s leadership, currently supports 1,400 visas and has pledged to continue covering the H-1B fees for its immigrant workforce. Huang expressed hope for future policy enhancements that preserve opportunities for immigrants, ensuring the U.S. continues to attract global talent despite his family’s journey potentially being hindered by current policies.
Mixed Reactions from Tech Leaders
Despite Huang’s criticism, some tech leaders endorse Trump’s immigration changes. Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, described the fee as “a great solution,” believing it would reserve H-1B visas for high-value jobs, thus removing the need for a lottery and providing more certainty. Similarly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed support for streamlining immigration processes to attract top talent complemented by financial incentives.
