Highlights:
-
Trump imposes a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025.
-
The fee is 20–50 times higher than the usual $2,000–$5,000 cost.
-
Existing visa holders and renewals are not affected.
-
Immediate panic among Indian professionals, including airport disruptions (e.g., San Francisco International Airport).
- Advertisement - -
Major tech companies (Microsoft, Amazon, JP Morgan) issue travel warnings for H-1B and H-4 visa holders.
-
Social media and forums show widespread concern and debate over the policy.
-
Indian leaders respond, highlighting both risks and domestic opportunities.
-
Critics warn of potential offshoring, reduced remittances, and long-term impacts on India-U.S. tech cooperation.
President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions has created widespread concern among Indian Americans and skilled professionals dependent on the program. The H-1B visa, often used by Indian tech workers and their families to live and work in the United States, typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000. The new measure represents an increase of 20 to 50 times the usual fee.
Immediate Travel Disruptions
The order, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, disrupted travel for many Indian professionals. At San Francisco International Airport, passengers on a fully boarded Emirates flight requested to deboard amid fears they might not be able to return to the United States if they left. The flight was delayed for more than three hours as staff worked to manage the situation.
Major companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and JP Morgan issued travel advisories, instructing employees on H-1B and H-4 visas to either return to the United States quickly or avoid international travel to reduce the risk of being stranded abroad.
Social Media and Public Response
The announcement sparked a strong reaction on social media. Viral videos showed passengers pleading to disembark from flights, while online forums discussed the fairness of the policy. Some argued that responsibility lay with American companies sponsoring H-1B visas, while others noted that the rule applied only to new applications.
Indian political leaders also commented. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the world is “a little afraid of Indian talent” but added that India remained a “winner” and urged professionals to innovate at home. Other leaders voiced concern about the humanitarian impact on families and the disruption to the long-standing flow of tech talent between India and the United States.
4chan is reserving flight tickets from India to the US in the checkout stage so no H1B can use them to get to the US before the deadline. pic.twitter.com/YFeS6Ou0bO
— Callum (@AkkadSecretary) September 20, 2025
Details of the Policy
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the new $100,000 charge applies to all new H-1B applications, including those for the FY2026 lottery. Existing visa holders, renewals, and travelers currently holding valid visas are exempt.
The Trump administration stated that the move is intended to curb misuse of the H-1B program, ensure it is used for “highly skilled” workers, and protect American jobs.
Industry and Economic Concerns
Critics argue that such a steep increase will discourage U.S. companies from hiring H-1B workers and instead push them to move jobs offshore. Industry observers warn that the change could reduce remittances from Indian professionals in the U.S., affecting India’s economy, and may harm decades of cooperation between the two countries in technology and education.
Broader Implications
The sudden policy has introduced uncertainty for thousands of professionals and their families. While designed as a reform of the visa system, the fee hike has led to chaotic scenes at airports, warnings from global corporations, and widespread anxiety within the Indian diaspora. Analysts suggest that the measure, if sustained, could affect innovation, workforce mobility, and U.S.-India relations.
