Proposed Changes to Minimum Salary Requirements for U.S. Work Visas
Introduction
The United States Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to increase the minimum salary that foreign workers must be paid under specific visa programs.
Main Body
The Department of Labor claims that the current wage levels, which were set twenty years ago, are no longer enough to protect the salaries of American workers. Consequently, the government wants to raise pay across four different experience levels. For example, entry-level wages would increase from $73,279 to $97,746, while higher levels would rise up to $175,464. These changes would affect H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM visas, although the exact amounts may vary depending on the city. This proposal follows a presidential order from September 2025, which also introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B applicants applying from abroad. In the past, a similar attempt in 2020 was cancelled by courts because the government did not allow enough public discussion. Therefore, the current plan includes a public comment period that ends on May 26. Opinions on this move are divided. Supporters emphasize that higher wages ensure that only highly skilled experts are hired, which prevents the local job market from being disrupted. However, critics argue that these higher costs might stop smaller companies from hiring foreign professionals. Furthermore, data firms suggest that companies could spend $18 billion in the first year, and up to $43 billion over three years as visas are renewed.
Conclusion
The Department of Labor is now reviewing public feedback before making a final decision on these wage adjustments.
Learning
⥠The 'Logic Connector' Upgrade
At an A2 level, you likely use 'and', 'but', and 'so' to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to replace these with Logical Transition Markers. These words tell the reader exactly how two ideas are related.
đ From Simple to Sophisticated
Look at how this text moves from a basic cause to a professional result:
- The A2 Way: "The old wages are too low, so the government wants to raise pay."
- The B2 Way: "The current wage levels... are no longer enough... Consequently, the government wants to raise pay."
Why this works: Consequently signals a direct result of a previous fact. It sounds more authoritative and academic than so.
đ ī¸ The 'Contrast' Toolkit
When you want to show two different sides of an argument (a key B2 skill), stop using 'but' for everything. Try these instead:
- However: Used to introduce a contradicting statement.
- *Example: "Supporters emphasize higher wages... However, critics argue that costs might stop hiring."
- Although: Used to acknowledge a fact that doesn't change the main point.
- *Example: "...these changes would affect [various] visas, although the exact amounts may vary."
đ The 'Addition' Boost
Instead of saying 'and' or 'also' at the start of a sentence, use Furthermore. This tells the listener, "I have already given you a point, and now I am adding an even more important one."
- Text usage: "...critics argue that these higher costs might stop smaller companies... Furthermore, data firms suggest..."
Quick Cheat Sheet for your next writing task:
| Instead of... | Try using... | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| So | Consequently / Therefore | Showing a Result |
| But | However / Although | Showing Contrast |
| And/Also | Furthermore / Moreover | Adding Information |