Netflix Co-founder Supports $100K H-1B Visa Fee
In a surprising turn, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has voiced support for the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, a stance that goes against the rest of Silicon Valley. This article delves into his reasoning and the potential impact of this controversial policy on the U.S. tech industry.
The debate over the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee has divided the American tech industry, but one prominent voice has broken from the crowd: Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings. In a surprising move, Hastings expressed support for the controversial policy, a stance that stands in stark contrast to the widespread criticism from fellow Silicon Valley leaders.
Hastings, a well-known Democratic donor who has previously been critical of the Trump administration, made his remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He argued that the new fee would serve as a powerful filter, ensuring that H-1B visas are reserved only for "very high-value jobs." In his view, this would eliminate the need for the existing lottery system, providing more certainty and a streamlined process for companies seeking top international talent. His support for the policy is particularly noteworthy because it deviates from the a common sentiment within the tech industry, where companies have long relied on a diverse global talent pool. Major tech firms and startups alike have voiced concerns that the steep fee will make it prohibitively expensive to hire the skilled professionals they need, potentially stifling innovation and growth. While large corporations might be able to absorb the cost, smaller firms and startups worry they will be priced out of the market.
However, a key point of clarification has emerged. The White House, in a statement by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, clarified that the $100,000 is a one-time fee for new visa petitions, not an annual tax, as Hastings had initially stated. This clarification, which was a response to the widespread panic, provided some relief, though the financial burden for a single hire remains substantial.
The new policy, set to take effect with the March 2026 lottery cycle, highlights a fundamental tension between immigration policy and the needs of the tech sector. While companies seek to attract the best talent from around the world, the Trump administration has repeatedly prioritized what it sees as protecting American jobs. Hastings's support adds a new layer to this complex debate, suggesting that even within the tech world, there may be different views on how to best navigate the future of global talent and innovation.
