On September 23, 2025, CNBC reported that Jensen Huang and Sam Altman reacted to the recent changes in the H-1B visa program, including a new $100,000 application fee signed into law by President Donald Trump. The announcement caused confusion and concern in Silicon Valley over the weekend.
- Silicon Valley experienced confusion over H-1B changes
- Nvidia and OpenAI leaders express optimism about immigration
- President Trump signed executive order raising visa fees
- Companies like Amazon and Microsoft advise visa holders to stay
- New fee targets high-skilled, new H-1B applicants
- Major tech firms employ thousands of H-1B visa workers
Huang emphasized the importance of immigration for innovation and the U.S. economy, stating, “We want all the brightest minds to come to the united states. Immigration is the foundation of the American dream.” Nvidia, one of the largest H-1B employers with 1,519 filings out of 36,000 employees, supports this view. Altman added that streamlining the visa process and aligning financial incentives are crucial to attracting top talent. The two executives announced Nvidia’s $100 billion investment in OpenAI during their discussion.
- Companies should prepare for possible delays or increased costs in hiring foreign talent.
- Employees on H-1B visas should verify their status and stay informed about policy changes.
- Tech firms may need to adjust recruitment strategies to mitigate visa application costs.
- Policy makers should consider the long-term effects of visa fee hikes on innovation and competitiveness.
The reactions from Huang and Altman highlight the ongoing debate over immigration policies’ impact on U.S. technological leadership. As the government enforces stricter visa regulations, industry leaders advocate for policies that balance security with the need to attract global talent, shaping the future of innovation in America.
