美國移民政策的重大改變

今天，美國政府拋出了一項震撼性的移民政策新規，特別針對 H-1B 技術簽證。這原本是許多外國專業人士進入美國職場的主要途徑，如今卻被加上了沉重的門檻：新的申請者必須繳納十萬美元的申請費用。這筆高額的費用，對許多夢想來美發展的年輕人和專業人才來說，簡直是一道高牆。

已經持有 H-1B 簽證的人或續簽者雖然不受影響，但對未來的申請者而言，這無疑是一個殘酷的挑戰。消息一出，科技界與專業領域立刻一片譁然。許多公司長期依賴 H-1B 人才填補技術缺口，如今恐怕要重新思考全球布局——有的可能把研發中心轉移到海外，有的則被迫提高對本地人才的培養與投資。

除了簽證費用，美國移民與海關執法局（ICE）正在擴充規模，設立更多辦公室，加強執法。加州則選擇反向行動，州政府簽署了多項移民保護法，企圖在聯邦層層收緊的氛圍下，為移民群體保留一絲喘息空間。同時，美國公民及移民服務局（USCIS）也推出了新的公民入籍考試改革，強化對美國歷史與制度的考察。這一連串的措施，顯示出移民政策正全面走向嚴格化。

我感受到的，不只是政策上的震動，更是一股時代的暗潮。對於那些夢想通過專業技能實現「美國夢」的人來說，這道夢想之門正慢慢合攏。這不僅會改變無數個人的命運，也可能影響美國本身的競爭力與多元精神。美國一向以吸納世界人才、培育創新文明為傲，如今卻在設下層層門檻。

或許，這正是一場價值觀的角力：是選擇封閉與保護，還是堅持開放與包容？答案會隨著時間揭曉。但可以確定的是，今天的這個政策轉折，將會在移民史與美國勞動市場上留下深刻印記。

記錄下今日心情：震驚，憂慮，還有一絲對未來的不安。政策改變的速度與力度，提醒我必須隨時保持清醒，因為制度的巨手，往往能在一夕之間，改變無數人的人生軌跡。

A Major Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy

Today, the United States government unveiled a sweeping change in immigration policy, one that strikes directly at the heart of the H-1B visa program. For decades, this program has been the gateway for thousands of foreign professionals—engineers, researchers, doctors, and dreamers—to contribute their skills to the American economy. But now, a new and formidable barrier has been raised: a $100,000 fee for new applicants.

For those who already hold H-1B visas, or for those simply renewing their status, the change does not apply. Yet for new aspirants hoping to begin their journey in America, this cost is staggering, almost prohibitive. Within hours of the announcement, shockwaves rippled across the technology sector and other industries heavily reliant on global talent. Companies that once looked to the world for skilled workers may now be forced to rethink their strategies—whether by relocating research centers abroad or accelerating efforts to train domestic talent.

This new visa rule is not an isolated move. Alongside it, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is expanding its enforcement capacity, opening more offices and enlarging its staff. At the same time, California has taken a defiant stance, signing new laws to shield immigrant communities against the tightening grip of federal enforcement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced revisions to the naturalization test, raising the bar for those seeking to become American citizens. Taken together, these steps paint a clear picture: immigration policy in the U.S. is entering a stricter, less welcoming era.

For me, the news feels heavy. It is more than just a change in policy—it is the closing of a door for countless individuals who see America as a land of opportunity. The very spirit of the “American Dream,” built on openness and the promise of reinvention, now seems to be narrowing. The United States has long been proud of drawing the world’s brightest minds, weaving them into its fabric of innovation and progress. To see the gates close, even partially, raises profound questions about the nation’s future.

This is not just about visas and fees—it is about values. Does America choose protectionism over openness, exclusivity over inclusivity? The answer is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: today’s decision will leave a deep mark on the history of immigration and reshape the American labor market for years to come.

As I write this entry, I feel a mixture of shock, worry, and unease about what lies ahead. Policy shifts like this remind me how swiftly lives can be altered, how easily dreams can be deferred by the stroke of a pen. The tides of history are moving, and once again, immigrants find themselves at the center of the storm.