Suma Awdhoot (Braiding Machine Operator)

The fee hike will hit smaller startups the hardest. Big tech companies won’t blink—they can easily absorb the cost. But early-stage startups, which often rely on one or two key international hires, may be priced out. That means fewer diverse voices in small, innovative companies. Over time, diversity in the broader tech ecosystem may shrink, because only large corporations can afford to bring in foreign talent. This undermines one of America’s biggest strengths: the mix of cultures and perspectives that fuel creativity.