Nvidia's Jensen Huang backs Trump's H-1B fee as a step forward but warns $100K cost may deter talent and hurt startups

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has praised former President Donald Trump’s proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas as “a great start” but cautioned that the high cost could hinder America’s ability to attract global talent. Speaking on the “BG2 Pod” podcast, Huang acknowledged the policy’s potential to reduce abuse of the visa system and curb illegal immigration, but warned it might push investment and innovation overseas. He expressed concern that the steep fee could disproportionately benefit large tech companies like Nvidia, which can more easily absorb the cost, while disadvantaging startups and smaller firms that rely on foreign talent. Huang emphasized that the U.S. must remain competitive in drawing top international minds, especially in science and technology. “The desire of smart people to come to America and smart students to stay—those are what I would call KPIs,” Huang said, referring to key performance indicators for national success. He stressed the importance of maintaining an open, welcoming environment for foreign students and researchers, noting that policies should not alienate individuals from countries like China, even as the U.S. competes with China at the national level. Huang, a Taiwan-born immigrant who has often credited the American dream for his own success, said the U.S. immigration system is in a difficult state and that Trump had limited time to make meaningful reforms. While the new fee is a step forward, Huang urged that it not be the final solution. “It shouldn’t be the end,” he said. Nvidia is one of the largest employers of H-1B visa holders in the U.S., with 1,519 filings at the end of fiscal year 2025, according to a Business Insider analysis. The company has around 36,000 employees globally. Other tech leaders have echoed Huang’s sentiment. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the fee was a positive move, calling it a way to align financial incentives and streamline the process for bringing in the world’s brightest minds. The White House clarified that the $100,000 fee would apply only to new H-1B applicants, not renewals. While the policy aims to strengthen the integrity of the H-1B program, its long-term impact on innovation and global competitiveness will depend on how it balances cost, access, and fairness. Huang’s comments underscore a growing consensus among tech leaders: attracting top talent remains essential to America’s future in AI and technology.