Trump Implements Revision for H-1B Visas for High-Skilled Laborers, Introduces a New $100,000 Yearly Fee

In the realm of politics and policy, the U.S. has been a hub of activity over the past few days. Here's a look at some of the key developments:

U.S. Military Action

The U.S. has carried out another fatal strike targeting an alleged drug-smuggling boat. The details of the operation are still emerging, but it marks another instance of the U.S. taking action against illegal activities in international waters.

Visa Policy Changes

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation that will require a new annual $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. This move is expected to generate significant revenue for the U.S. government and could potentially alter the landscape of high-skilled immigration.

Political Criticism and Confirmations

Sen. Ted Cruz has criticized Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr's threat to punish ABC over comedian Jimmy Kimmel's comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, stating it is "dangerous as hell." Meanwhile, the Senate has confirmed Mike Waltz to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, filling the last vacancy in Trump's Cabinet after eight months of delays and the withdrawal of a previous nominee.

Legal Battles

The Justice Department has asked the high court to put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that the administration wrongly ended Temporary Protected Status for the Venezuelans. In a separate case, a federal judge has temporarily barred the federal government from collecting personal information about residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 21 states and Washington, D.C.

International Relations

Trump has announced that he and Xi will meet in person on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea that runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. The meeting marks the first official visit to the United States by a top Syrian official in 25 years, as Trump also announced that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be coming to Washington on Sept. 25 to discuss various topics, including the purchases of Boeing aircraft and a deal for F-16 fighter jets.

Government Shutdown Threat

The Senate has rejected competing measures to fund federal agencies for a few weeks when the new budget year begins Oct. 1, increasing prospects for a partial government shutdown on that date. After months of delay, the House has put a fix into the spending bill that could restore the $1 billion the House cut in D.C. funding earlier this year.

Immigration Enforcement

Immigration enforcement officials have arrested almost 550 people as part of an operation in the Chicago area dubbed "Midway Blitz." Historically, H-1B visas have been doled out through a lottery system, but critics argue they allow companies to pay lower wages and fill entry-level jobs.

Legal Challenges and Resignations

A federal prosecutor in Virginia, Erik Siebert, is resigning under pressure from the Trump administration, amid a push to bring charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. Alex Acosta, the former U.S. attorney who oversaw a plea agreement with Jeffrey Epstein in 2008, is defending his handling of the case in a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee.

Court Rulings

A federal judge in Florida has tossed Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against New York Times. Trump's executive order on gender ideology violates the First Amendment, according to a federal judge. The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to strip legal protections from more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants.

Vaccine Advisers and Trade Talks

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine advisers declined to recommend COVID-19 shots for all Americans, leaving the choice up to those who want a shot. Trump says he made progress on trade, TikTok, and Russia's war in Ukraine in his Friday call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Passport Policy and Syrian Future

Trump has asked the Supreme Court to halt a judge's order allowing transgender and nonbinary people to continue to choose the sex marker on their passports. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack have met with Syrian foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani in Washington. The meeting discussed Syria's future and its ties with Israel.

Trump's Business Ventures

Trump has announced a new "Trump Gold Card" visa with a potential pathway to U.S. citizenship, available for a processing fee and a $1 million contribution after vetting. He also announced a "Trump Platinum Card" for a $5 million contribution, allowing foreigners to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.

Russia-U.S. Relations

The Kremlin has described Trump's comments that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has "let him down" over Moscow's war in Ukraine as "understandable." The meeting between Trump and Xi will be a significant moment in the evolving relationship between the two superpowers.

Trump Implements Revision for H-1B Visas for High-Skilled Laborers, Introduces a New $100,000 Yearly Fee