The Trump administration's proposal to raise the minimum salary for H-1B visa holders could require entry-level software engineers in San Francisco to earn $162,000 annually, a nearly 30% increase from current levels. In Dallas and New York, the minimum salaries would also rise to $113,000 and $132,000, respectively. This change, aimed at preventing foreign workers from undercutting American wages, could cost employers at least $18 billion in the first year alone, with costs potentially reaching $43 billion within three years as existing visas are renewed. Critics argue that the increased costs may discourage employers from hiring entry-level talent, thereby limiting opportunities for young professionals across various sectors, including technology, finance, and healthcare. The H-1B visa program, created in 1990, allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, but the proposed changes could shift the program's focus towards more experienced professionals. Notably, industry leaders like Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., have emphasized the vital contributions of immigrants to the US economy and innovation.