Observed Signal · Sep 21, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Hike Could Boost Europe's Tech Sector
President Donald Trump's proclamation on September 19, 2025, imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025. The drastic cost increase—from roughly $1,000 to over $100,000 per petition—hits major tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple, with Amazon alone facing over $1.4 billion in additional expenses. The White House clarified the fee is a one-time charge, not annual, and applies only to new applications. Meanwhile, Uber announced layoffs of about 3,300 employees (10% of its workforce) and published a formal takeover offer for Delivery Hero at €41.50 per share, valuing the company at approximately €13 billion. Delivery Hero also agreed to sell its business in 14 markets, including Austria, to investment firm SSW Partners for €1.4 billion, contingent on the Uber deal. These moves could push tech jobs and innovation toward Europe.
Major U.S. immigration policy affecting tech talent acquisition, combined with a significant M&A deal in the delivery sector; both have indirect but notable impacts on tech and advertising ecosystems.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Trump signed a proclamation adding a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025.
- Amazon leads H-1B usage with 14,783 approved applications.
- Uber announced layoffs of about 3,300 employees (roughly 10% of its workforce).
- Uber published a formal takeover offer for Delivery Hero at €41.50 per share, valuing the target at around €13 billion.
- Delivery Hero is selling its business in 14 markets to SSW Partners for €1.4 billion.
Connected Companies & Entities
15 Entities mapped“Amazon leads the H-1B user list with 14,783 approved applications....”
“Uber has published a takeover offer for Delivery Hero, which is also selling its business in 14 markets to SSW Partners....”
“Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple hire thousands of foreign specialists via H-1B each year....”
“Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple hire thousands of foreign specialists via H-1B each year....”
“Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple hire thousands of foreign specialists via H-1B each year....”
“Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple hire thousands of foreign specialists via H-1B each year....”
“In London, Uber partner Wayve recently received approval from Transport for London to operate a commercial robotaxi service with safety driv...”
“Uber is laying off around 3,300 employees and has published a takeover offer for Delivery Hero....”
“Delivery Hero sells its business in 14 markets to financial investor SSW Partners for around €1.4 billion....”
“Uber already has around 53% support through its own shares and a binding commitment from major shareholder Prosus....”
“In the U.S., Uber Eats is losing ground to DoorDash, which holds roughly 64% market share....”
“According to YipitData, DoorDash holds about 64% market share in the U.S. vs. Uber's 31%....”
“Oliver Holle, CEO of the large European VC Speedinvest, welcomed the announcement with 'Thank you, Mr. President!'...”
“Uber faces competition from robotaxi providers like Waymo (Alphabet)....”
“Uber plans to expand its robotaxi network, competing with Waymo and Tesla....”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six other major tech firms—Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro—from the U.S. Permanent Labor Certification program, which facilitates green cards for skilled foreign workers. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations and alleged fraud, noting that no new or pending applications from these companies will be accepted. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft defended its practices, stating that most U.S. employees are American and that 80% of its H-1B petitions were for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, and the administration also plans to investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, over student visa program abuse.
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