Scott Bettridge was quoted in a Miami Herald article examining how a recent executive order is reshaping H-1B visa sponsorships by dramatically increasing costs for employers. He said that while the new fee “won’t kick in until the next H-1B lottery comes around” in the spring of 2026, now is the time for immigrant workers to prepare by consulting immigration lawyers, local embassies, or their employers about available options. He noted, “No one is going to lose their visa if they already have it, but I can promise: a handful of employers that sponsored workers for work visas will not go down that path again.”

He also cautioned that previous sponsorship does not guarantee future sponsorship, reminding workers that “sponsorship does not create an employment contract and does not guarantee continued sponsorship.” He warned that the steep increase in visa costs could make an already tough job market even more challenging, particularly in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction that often rely on foreign labor. He shared, “The ability to find someone with a visa that they traditionally have trouble staffing was a great opportunity.” With sponsorship costs soaring, many companies are now unsure how they will fill open positions. He added that many employers “are going to have to pivot” as they rethink hiring practices in light of the rising costs.

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