In a significant move, Walmart has announced it will temporarily suspend hiring candidates requiring H-1B visas, a decision influenced by the Trump administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee for such visa applications. This fee, introduced via an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month, aims to curb what he described as the ‘abuse’ of the H-1B program, which allows skilled foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. Walmart, the largest private employer in the country with approximately 1.6 million workers, has been a major beneficiary of the H-1B program, securing over 2,000 visas in the first half of 2025 alone. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to hiring top talent while being mindful of its H-1B hiring strategy. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg News. The H-1B program is predominantly utilized by the tech sector, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google leading in visa approvals. However, smaller firms and startups also rely on the program to attract skilled workers. Critics of the H-1B program argue it undermines American workers, while proponents, including figures like Elon Musk, contend it is essential for attracting global talent. India and China are the largest sources of H-1B recipients, accounting for over 70% and 12% of visas, respectively. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has opposed the fee, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it would make the program ‘cost-prohibitive’ and harm American businesses. The White House defended the fee as a lawful and necessary step toward reforming the program.