Nvidia’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, offered a deeply personal reflection on how certain immigration policies could have altered the course of his own life and career. During a recent interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Huang addressed the $100,000 H‑1B visa application fee introduced under former President Donald Trump’s administration, noting that such a financial requirement could have prevented his family from ever reaching the United States. He explained with candid sincerity that if such a high cost had existed when his family was seeking to immigrate, they almost certainly would not have possessed the resources to pay it, thereby losing the opportunity that ultimately allowed him to grow into one of the world’s most influential technology leaders. In his words, the doors that opened for his family decades ago might have been permanently closed under a policy of that magnitude.
Reflecting further, Huang—now 62 and globally recognized for leading Nvidia to the forefront of artificial intelligence and computing innovation—recounted his early years. Born in Taiwan, he spent his formative childhood between Taiwan and Thailand before moving to the United States at the age of nine. He spoke of how the experience of arriving in a new country instilled both resilience and aspiration, reinforcing his belief in the enduring promise of what is often called the “American dream.” To him, that dream symbolizes a set of ideals that define the essence of U.S. identity: the notion that anyone, regardless of birthplace or background, can come to America and, through determination, intelligence, and sustained effort, build a more secure and prosperous future. Huang credited that very philosophy for shaping not only his own trajectory but also the foundation of countless other immigrant success stories that contribute to the nation’s ongoing innovation and economic vitality.
Even while commenting on the potential hardships the updated H‑1B policy might impose, Huang acknowledged that the program still serves an important purpose in attracting global talent to American industries. He described President Trump’s approach as pragmatic and expressed a measured hope that future adjustments could enhance the program rather than discourage skilled professionals from contributing their expertise to the U.S. economy. Huang’s remarks conveyed a balance between recognition of the need for policy reform and advocacy for preserving accessibility to opportunity—a balance that mirrors his broader leadership philosophy at Nvidia.
In response to inquiries regarding the company’s stance, an Nvidia spokesperson declined to provide additional comment to Business Insider. The discussion, however, comes amid widespread concern throughout immigrant communities and the tech sector following Trump’s September 19 executive order mandating the $100,000 H‑1B fee. This announcement initially sparked alarm among many foreign-born professionals and technology firms, prompting several companies to caution their employees working under existing H‑1B visas against traveling or re‑entering the country until the policy’s implications were clarified. The administration later confirmed that the measure would apply only to new visa applications rather than to current holders, helping to alleviate some immediate uncertainty but not the broader unease.
Huang had previously remarked that the initial framework of Trump’s H‑1B program represented “a great start” while adding that the six‑figure fee likely set the threshold unrealistically high for many talented individuals and their families. To mitigate the impact on its workforce, Nvidia announced internally that it would assume the financial responsibility for covering these visa fees on behalf of its employees—more than 1,400 of whom currently hold H‑1B approvals. This corporate decision underscored Nvidia’s recognition of the essential contributions that international professionals make to its culture of innovation, technical achievement, and global collaboration.
In a written message to staff, Huang reflected on his shared experience with many immigrant colleagues, emphasizing that the collective achievements of Nvidia—and indeed the technological breakthroughs that define it—would never have been possible without the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise brought by individuals who came to America seeking opportunity. He described this as part of the “miracle of Nvidia,” a company built not only by brilliant minds from around the world but also by the enduring spirit of possibility that characterizes the immigrant experience. For Huang, immigration is not solely a policy matter; it constitutes the very foundation of creativity, invention, and progress that continues to drive both his company and the country forward.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/jensen-huang-family-not-afford-h1b-visa-fee-american-dream-2025-10
