Hastings, who has been involved with H-1B policy discussions for over three decades, described the move as “a great solution” in a post on social media platform X
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings. Pic/AFP
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has publicly endorsed US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on employers hiring foreign workers under the H-1B visa programme. Hastings, who has been involved with H-1B policy discussions for over three decades, described the move as “a great solution” in a post on social media platform X.
“I’ve worked on H1-B politics for 30 years. Trump’s USD 100K per year tax is a great solution,” Hastings wrote. He explained that the steep fee would ensure that H-1B visas are allocated exclusively to high-value positions. “It will mean H-1B is used just for very high-value jobs, which will mean no lottery needed and more certainty for those jobs,” he added.
I've worked on H1-B politics for 30 years. Trump's $100k per year tax is a great solution. It will mean H1-B is used just for very high value jobs, which will mean no lottery needed, and more certainty for those jobs.
— Reed Hastings (@reedhastings) September 21, 2025
The remarks came in the wake of Trump’s presidential proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, which introduces the USD 100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The proclamation, effective from September 21, is part of the administration’s efforts to address what it describes as widespread misuse of the H-1B programme, particularly by IT outsourcing companies. These firms have been accused of displacing American workers and suppressing wages by hiring low-cost foreign labor.
According to the administration, the original goal of the H-1B visa—to attract highly skilled foreign talent—has been undermined. The proclamation highlights cases where low-wage, entry-level H-1B hires have negatively impacted American graduates entering the workforce. Additionally, national security concerns have been cited, pointing to ongoing investigations into visa fraud and money laundering involving companies that rely heavily on the H-1B programme.
Under the new rules, employers are required to provide proof of payment of the USD 100,000 fee when submitting H-1B petitions. The US Departments of State and Homeland Security will oversee enforcement. Limited exemptions are available for applications deemed to be in the national interest.
Industry reactions to the fee hike remain mixed, with some advocating that it will streamline visa allocation for top talent, while others warn that smaller companies may struggle to absorb the additional cost. Hastings’ support, however, underscores a growing perspective among tech leaders that the H-1B programme should prioritize high-value, highly specialized jobs over volume-based hiring.
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