Fernandez Interviewed by NOLA.com on Impact of $100K Fee for New H-1B Visas

Adams & Reese Business Immigration attorney Mary Kate Fernandez was interviewed by NOLA.com in the story, “What Trump’s $100K Fee for H-1B Visas Could Mean for Louisiana Universities, Hospitals?” Last month, President Trump announced a $100,000 fee on companies for each new application to sponsor a skilled employee from another country to temporarily work in the U.S. on an H-1B visa.

Fernandez said H-1B visa applicants, employers, and immigration lawyers “were in state of panic” following Trump’s announcement. “It was pandemonium,” she said, and a month later, “it’s still extremely cloudy on who it’s going to apply to,” Fernandez added.

“The government has basically been silent other than that initial guidance that was issued the day after the proclamation,” Fernandez said. “We still don’t know who it’s going to apply to. I haven’t had it in my own practice, and I haven’t heard of any other practitioner having paid this fee, because it’s just still so up in the air.”

Fernandez emphasized that many people don’t realize how much of the American economy is buttressed by foreign labor. “There’s just a misunderstanding of what foreign labor means to the economy and all sectors,” said Fernandez. “It’s not just tech jobs.” … Agriculture, health care, and education all benefit from foreign workers, she said.

Mary Kate Fernandez focuses her practice exclusively on business immigration, representing employers across a range of industries. With experience guiding clients through U.S. immigration regulations, she helps businesses sponsor and retain skilled talent from around the world. She also assists employers in addressing a wide range of employment issues related to immigration and international employment, ensuring they remain compliant with regulations. Fernandez has established contacts and experience liaising with the Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Department of State (DOS), and U.S. consulates worldwide.

Fernandez is the author of “Visa Viewpoint” – an Adams & Reese thought leadership blog dedicated to offering insights and analysis for employers on business immigration law.