FY2027 H-1B wage-weighted selection, $100k fee block & appeal, new visa interview trap, reverse migration trend, H-2A dairy expansion, ABIC endorsement, PERM overhaul, EB-5 deadline
Key Questions
What changes were made to the H-1B lottery for FY2027?
USCIS completed the FY27 cap with 85k selections using a wage-weighted system that favors higher-paid workers. DHS has already implemented these lottery changes to prioritize higher wages over random selection.
What is the status of the $100k H-1B fee?
A judge blocked the $100k fee as an unconstitutional tax but then stayed the order, allowing it to remain in effect for consular processing. The Trump administration appealed the ruling on June 18, creating a circuit split likely headed to the Supreme Court.
What new visa interview question is catching skilled H-1B workers?
Applicants are being asked 'Why can't an American do this job?' during interviews, which is trapping skilled workers by challenging the need for foreign labor. This tactic is part of broader enforcement tightening employer sponsorship rules.
How are H-1B workers affected after layoffs?
Laid-off H-1B holders face aggressive USCIS RFEs on B-2 bridge applications, with scrutiny over job search versus work distinctions. Personal stories highlight the human cost, including forced departures leading to loss of homes and pets.
What H-2A changes were made for the dairy industry?
The Trump administration eased rules by treating year-round milking like sheep herding, allowing a wage cut to $12/hr. This DHS memo expands H-2A access for dairy operations previously limited by seasonal restrictions.
What bipartisan H-2A reform bill was introduced?
The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act includes a 350-day cap and AEWR codification, endorsed by the ABIC Agricultural Council. It aims to modernize H-2A and provide a path to legal status with added political support.
What does the new bill propose for ending the H-1B lottery and OPT?
A new bill would eliminate the H-1B lottery entirely, remove the OPT program, and end H-1B green card pathways. Chip Roy's legislation seeks to overhaul these programs amid ongoing reform efforts.
How do Microsoft layoffs relate to H-1B filings?
Microsoft's 4,800 layoffs coincided with continued H-1B visa filings, highlighting perceived loopholes in the system. This has drawn attention to concurrent workforce reductions and sponsorship practices.
USCIS FY27 cap complete 85k wage-weighted; $100k fee drives 38.5% app drop. Judge Sorokin blocks $100k fee as unconstitutional tax, then stays his own order. Trump administration appeals June 18, stay granted, circuit split with D.C. makes Supreme Court likely. Fee still in effect for consular processing. New bill would end H-1B lottery, eliminate OPT. New visa interview trap: 'Why can't an American do this job?' catching skilled workers. Reverse migration trend confirmed. Chip Roy bill to end H-1B green card pathway. Landmark Legal Foundation petitions to rescind OPT. DHS proposes fixed 4-year F-1 limit. USCIS home visits increasing. New concerns over 100k fake degrees. New H-1B abuse lawsuits. AAPI applauds court ruling blocking $100k H-1B physician visa requirement. Trump admin eases H-2A rules for dairy industry—DHS memo treats year-round milking like sheep herding, wage cut to $12/hr. New: H-1B layoff victims face aggressive USCIS RFEs on B-2 bridge applications, challenging job search vs. work distinction. DHS proposes H-1B lottery changes to favor higher-paid workers (wage-based weighting) — already in effect. New: ABIC Agricultural Council endorses Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, modernizing H-2A and offering path to legal status, adding political weight to bipartisan reform. New personal story: H-1B worker forced to leave US after layoff, losing home and cats, highlighting human cost of visa system. New: Bipartisan H-2A reform bill introduced (350-day cap, AEWR codification) with ABIC endorsement. New: Microsoft layoffs highlight H-1B loophole—4,800 layoffs concurrent with visa filings. New: DOL proposes PERM overhaul—biggest since 2004, tightening recruitment rules for employer-sponsored green cards, increasing employer scrutiny and delays. New: EB-5 September 2026 deadline for H-1B holders (grandfathering, price hike, concurrent filing window) creates urgency. New: Business Immigration Monthly confirms $100k fee still in effect (stay pending), July visa bulletin details (EB-2 India exhausted).