PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A proposed Trump administration policy targeting a popular foreign worker visa program could hit the Valley’s booming tech sector and its growing Taiwanese community hard.
On Monday, the administration announced a proposed $103,000 fee for H-1B visas—representing a nearly $100,000 jump from current rates.
While federal officials say the spike is aimed at forcing companies to hire American workers, the policy could devastate tech giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which relies heavily on the visa program.
TSMC’s massive chip manufacturing plants in north Phoenix have fueled a housing and population boom, with new families constantly relocating to the Valley from Taiwan. Many of these workers rely on H-1B visas and could feel immediate effects if the changes are finalized.
A community built around silicon
The influx of Taiwanese families has transformed north Phoenix, where bulldozers and cranes have become permanent fixtures of the landscape.
For local businesses, the connection is vital. At DaYung’s Tea, running the shop is a family affair.
“My favorite is the mango smoothie plus the coconut jelly,” 6-year-old Max Wang said.
Max Wang’s mother, Angel Lin, runs the business alongside her husband, Elms Wang. The couple moved to the Valley from Taiwan not to work for TSMC but because of it.
“When we were sourcing the location of the shop, we weren’t inside the country yet, so naturally we were looking around TSMC,” Elms Wang said.
Elms Wang estimated that at least 40% of his customer base is from Taiwan, while the other 60% consists of local residents. Behind the counter, they are blending more than just boba drinks.
“It’s not only about preserving the culture that we have there in Asia. It’s more about getting into the community here,” Wang said. “Getting used to the culture here and making both cultures work for each other.”
Bridging the gap between Phoenix and Taiwan
Rebecca Chen, a real estate agent and president of the Phoenix chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, has helped more than 100 families relocate to the Valley from Taiwan.
Chen said the growing network of local businesses acts as a vital bridge for new arrivals.
“Having those restaurants and service providers is actually bridging Arizona and Phoenix to their hometown,” Chen said. “And that makes them less likely to want to go home. They feel more like it’s a home and they are more welcome, seeing Phoenix as their second home.”
But the proposed visa fee could slow that growth by making it significantly more expensive for companies like TSMC to sponsor Taiwanese professionals.
Yi-Chih Liao, a TSMC employee currently working on an H-1B visa, took a break from the plant Wednesday to grab a drink at DaYung’s Tea. He recalled how small the Taiwanese community was when he first arrived in Arizona, compared to the thriving cultural hub it is today.
Liao said news of the potential $103,000 fee has him worried for future workers and families hoping to make the same journey.
“Just from my opinion, I think that’s definitely bad news for the community,” Liao said.
What’s next
The proposed fee increase is not yet final. The rulemaking process could take months to become official, particularly if it faces legal challenges.
The federal government has opened a 30-day public comment window for individuals and businesses to submit feedback on the proposal.
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