Walmart has announced it will halt the hiring of candidates requiring H-1B visas, a decision influenced by a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This order imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B applicants, which has raised concerns among U.S. employers. The Trump administration claims this measure addresses “abuse” within the program that allows skilled foreign workers to enter the U.S., suggesting it undermines the domestic workforce.
Walmart is a significant user of the H-1B visa program, having received over 2,000 approvals in the first half of 2025, making it the largest retailer utilizing these visas. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to retaining top talent while reassessing its approach to H-1B hiring. Bloomberg News was first to report on Walmart’s decision to pause these hires.
Despite Walmart’s extensive use of H-1B visas, the program is often associated more with major tech companies. Amazon leads with over 10,000 approvals in the same timeframe, followed by Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google, each securing more than 4,000 visas. Smaller firms and startups beyond the tech sector also utilize the program.
Trump’s order specifically affects new visa applications, necessitating a payment to proceed. Critics argue that the H-1B program diminishes job opportunities for American workers, while proponents contend it is essential for attracting global talent.
Notably, India comprises over 70% of H-1B recipients in recent years, with China following at about 12%. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remarked on the difficulty employers may face in determining whether a candidate’s value justifies the new fee.
Business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have opposed the executive order, arguing that the fee could become “cost-prohibitive” for employers and adversely affect American businesses by limiting access to skilled labor. The White House, however, defended the fee as a legitimate and necessary step for reforming the program.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvez5v3ee7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss