Ex-Twitter Exec Slams Trump’s \$100,000 H-1B Fee, Defends Immigrant Workers

Esther Crawford, a former top executive at Twitter (now X), has spoken out strongly against the recent $100,000 fee imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on new H-1B visa applications. In a post on the platform she helped transition during Elon Musk's acquisition, Crawford called the move not only anti-immigrant but also harmful to the tech industry’s future.

Crawford, who served as director of product management at Twitter/X, credited immigrant engineers—particularly those from India and China—for keeping the platform running during its most turbulent days post-acquisition. “They stayed after the acquisition, worked long hours, and solved brutally complex problems alongside American colleagues,” she wrote. “When posting anti-immigrant takes, remember: they're the reason you can tweet at all.”

Her comments come amid growing criticism of the Trump-era policy, which imposes a steep one-time $100,000 fee on H-1B applications. The H-1B visa is a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, particularly in tech, to work in the United States. Currently, Indians make up over 70% of the 400,000 H-1B holders, followed by Chinese nationals at around 12%.

Critics argue that the exorbitant fee could cripple the H-1B program, as the cost outweighs the median salaries paid to many of these skilled workers. As a result, U.S. companies may look to shift these jobs offshore. However, a proposed HIRE Act—if passed—would impose heavy taxes on companies outsourcing jobs abroad, further complicating matters.

While Elon Musk has yet to comment on the new fee, his past stance suggests he may not oppose it entirely. Though he has expressed support for the H-1B program, he has also referred to it as “broken” and suggested that only highly skilled individuals should qualify—a view that partially aligns with Trump’s rhetoric.

For now, the new fee only applies to applications filed after September 21. Existing visa holders and renewal petitions are currently exempt.

Crawford’s remarks highlight the deepening divide over immigration policy in the U.S. and the vital, often overlooked, role immigrant workers play in powering Silicon Valley.