Episode Overview

Podcast: Becker Business
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: H-1B Visa Action 9-22-25
Date: September 22, 2025

Scott Becker delivers a concise analysis of the latest federal action impacting H-1B visas. The episode centers on the implications of a new $100,000 fee imposed by President Trump on new H-1B visa applicants, its expected impact on businesses—especially small to mid-sized companies—and broader themes about immigration policy and America’s role as a destination for global talent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overview of the H-1B Visa Fee Change

• President Trump’s administration has instituted a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants.
• There are approximately 700,000 to 750,000 current H-1B holders in the U.S.
• Annually, about 85,000 new H-1B visas are issued:
  • 65,000 for business/professional roles
  • 20,000 for medical professions
• The largest recipient group by country: India.
• Tech industry is the greatest utilizer of the H-1B program.

2. Immediate & Potential Impact of the Fee

• The government clarified the fee is only for new applicants, not current holders—offering "good news at least" for those already in the system.
• Becker asserts the fee "...may be more potential bark than bite longer term, at least short term..." (00:49).
• Still, he notes the move is likely to negatively impact growth and leadership in industries reliant on foreign talent.

3. Small & Mid-Sized Business Perspective

• Becker recounts a conversation with a small-to-mid-sized business owner who employs many legal immigrants (01:10):
  • The owner claimed the H-1B system is "so corrupted and biased towards the large companies that [it] almost has no usefulness to smaller businesses."
  • Becker reflected concern for this owner but acknowledged that some businesses do heavily depend on these visas.

4. Evaluating the Fee Hike

• While a modest fee increase might be reasonable, Becker calls the jump to $100,000 "way too big" (01:55).
• He worries the action sends a global signal that the U.S. is not welcoming to “the best and brightest.”
• Becker identifies the risk of "brain drain" if top talent looks elsewhere:
  • "The worst thing that happens to countries is what you call the brain drain, where the smartest people start to go elsewhere." (02:25)

5. Broader Views on Immigration and Borders

• Becker expresses frustration with rising xenophobia online (specifically mentioning Twitter, now "X") (03:00).
• He articulates a balanced view:

  "I’m a huge believer that you could be a believer in two things. One, that our country is built on immigrants and we need our immigrants. And that we also need tight, tight borders and a policy for how we deal with immigration. That you could have both." (03:18)

• He affirms the role of legal immigration as the "lifeblood" of the U.S. but maintains that secure borders and clear policies are essential.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On signal to the world:

  “A core problem with the action is...it’s a signaling to the rest of the world that we don’t want to be a beacon for the best and brightest.” —Scott Becker (02:17)

• On the dilemma for small businesses:

  "[The H-1B program] has become so corrupted and biased towards the large companies that [it] almost has no usefulness to smaller businesses." —Small business owner, paraphrased by Becker (01:20)

• On the importance of immigration and border security:

  "You could be a believer in immigration, that it really has been the lifeblood of our country, and that we need very serious borders, very tight borders. No, can't have open borders." —Scott Becker (03:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:20 - Explanation of H-1B visa numbers and fee details
• 01:10 - Conversation with a business owner on small business ramifications
• 01:55 - Critique of the fee amount and global perception
• 02:25 - Discussion about brain drain
• 03:00 - Thoughts on xenophobia in online discourse
• 03:18 - Balanced approach to immigration and border policy

Tone & Delivery

Scott Becker remains practical and business-focused, weaving in personal anecdotes, straightforward analytics, and commentary on the social climate. His tone is candid, slightly concerned, and resolutely pro-immigration while supportive of “serious” border policy.

This episode offers a clear, nuanced snapshot of how sweeping immigration changes can impact business climate, talent recruitment, and the nation’s global competitiveness.