The Trump administration shocked employers and immigrant workers this week by unveiling a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a close ally of President Trump, spearheaded the change, pitching it as a measure to protect American jobs. But the rollout has been chaotic, with key details about how the fee will apply left unclear, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Allies courted behind closed doors

In the days before the announcement, Lutnick convened anti-immigration groups at the White House to secure support for the fee. For months, he had also been pursuing a separate proposal: a so-called “gold card” that would offer wealthy foreigners a fast path to citizenship in exchange for a $1 million payment. The juxtaposition of tightening access for skilled worker

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