U.S. Labor Department

President Donald Trump increased the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 in 2023, claiming it would protect American jobs from foreign workers. A federal judge later ruled the fee invalid, stating the Trump administration overstepped its authority by implementing it without congressional approval. The H-1B program is widely used by tech companies and universities to hire skilled workers, but critics argue it displaces American employees.

U.S. jobless aid filings reached their highest level in four months, with 225,000 applications in the week ending May 30, reflecting economic uncertainty from the Iran war. Despite historically low layoffs, inflation rose 3.8% in April 2025, and businesses remain cautious amid high energy costs and potential job displacement from AI advancements.

U.S. jobless aid filings reached their highest level in four months in early June 2025, with 225,000 new applications, amid economic uncertainty linked to the war in Iran. Despite historically low layoffs, the labor market remains in a 'low-hire, low-fire' state, with the unemployment rate at 4.3%. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising oil and gas prices, and inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target are complicating economic conditions.

U.S. job openings rose to 7.6 million in April, showing resilience amid economic uncertainty from the Iran war. Layoffs and job quits decreased, while hiring dropped, indicating cautious hiring. The job market has been recovering from a dismal 2025 with an average of 76,000 jobs added monthly this year, supported by tax refunds from President Donald Trump's tax cut bill.

US jobless aid applications fell to 209,000 last week, indicating layoffs remain low despite economic uncertainties from the Iran war and elevated inflation. The labor market is in a 'low-hire, low-fire' state with unemployment at 4.3%, though consumer and wholesale price inflation have significantly increased.