L‑visa pipeline evades H‑1B fee

The proposed $100,000 fee won’t deter most users because it can be avoided by changing status inside the U.S. or by first entering on an L‑1 intra‑company transfer and later switching to H‑1B. Since the bulk of H‑1B applicants are already in‑country, and outsourcers routinely use L‑visas, the fee will bite few of the intended targets. — If status‑change and L‑visa conversions neuter a marquee fee, policymakers and media must focus on closing pathway loopholes rather than celebrating symbolic price tags.