In a bold move that is set to reshape the landscape of skilled foreign labor in the United States, President Donald Trump declared a new rule imposing a staggering $100,000 fee for all new applicants of the H-1B visa, effective from tomorrow. The directive, part of a broader agenda to reform national immigration policies, also mandates employers to maintain proof of fee payment before proceeding with any H-1B visa petitions.

This significant financial prerequisite aims to curb what the Trump administration describes as "systemic abuse" of the H-1B program, which they claim compromises both economic and national security by displacing American workers with lower-paid foreign counterparts, particularly in crucial STEM fields. During his announcement, Trump criticized certain employers for using the program to "artificially suppress wages" thus harming the American labor market and potentially stunting the nation's leadership in key technological areas.

Furthermore, the proclamation grants the Secretary of Homeland Security the power to waive the fee if it's determined that employing the H-1B applicant serves the national interest and does not threaten U.S. security or welfare.

The policy is set to expire one year from its effectuation unless extended. A review is scheduled within thirty days following the completion of the upcoming H-1B visa lottery, where top U.S. officials will evaluate whether to continue the restrictive measure based on its alignment with U.S. interests.

This development follows closely on the heels of other restrictive measures by the Trump administration aimed at tightening the reins on foreign journalists and students. Earlier this month, a new rule was proposed to limit the stay of most foreign journalists to 240 days, with provisions for renewal contingent upon their assignments. This change significantly diverges from the existing 'duration of status' policy that currently allows journalists to remain in the U.S. as long as they are employed and comply with the law.

Additionally, the administration has taken steps to scrutinize social media profiles of student and exchange visitor visa applicants, a move that has already seen legal challenges, including a preliminary injunction issued by a federal judge.

These series of stringent visa policies underscore a clear message from the Trump administration: a rigorous overhaul of immigration protocols to prioritize American workers and safeguard national interests, at a time when the debate over immigration policy remains intensely polarized. As these new regulations take effect, all eyes will be on the impacts this will have on the U.S. economy and its global standing in technology and innovation.