The Trump administration is proposing a nearly 30% increase in the minimum salary requirements for H-1B visa eligibility, which is a popular route for skilled foreign workers to enter the United States. Under this proposal, an entry-level software engineer in San Francisco would need to be paid $162,000 annually, while the minimum salary in Dallas would rise to $113,000 and in New York to $132,000. This significant increase could cost employers at least $18 billion in the first year and potentially up to $43 billion over three years as existing H-1B visas are renewed at the higher salary levels. The administration argues that this move will prevent foreign workers from undercutting American wages and ensure that H-1B visas are used to attract exceptional talent in areas with a shortage of skilled workers. However, the increased costs may deter employers from hiring entry-level and less experienced workers, ultimately reducing opportunities for young talent across various sectors, including technology, finance, and healthcare.