A recent development in U.S. immigration policy is set to profoundly impact Indian professionals: President Donald Trump has enacted a proclamation that raises the annual fee for H-1B visas to a staggering $100,000. This controversial move, described by American lawmakers and community leaders as “reckless” and “unfortunate,” is already sending ripples through the technology sector.
President Trump justified the ‘Restriction on entry of certain non-immigrant workers’ by labeling the H-1B visa program’s misuse as a “national security threat.”
In response, immigration attorneys and numerous companies have issued urgent advisories to H-1B visa holders and their family members currently outside the U.S. They are strongly urging these individuals to return to America within 24 hours, ahead of the proclamation’s effective date of 12:01 am on September 21. Failure to do so could result in being stranded and denied re-entry.
The visa fee hike is intended to protect American workers and ensure that only “truly extraordinary people” are brought into the United States. Companies typically bear the cost of sponsoring H-1B applicants.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), major tech companies are significant employers of H-1B visa holders. As of June 2025, Amazon led the list with 10,044 H-1B workers, followed closely by TCS with 5,505 approved visas. Other prominent beneficiaries include Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), Google (4,181), Deloitte (2,353), Infosys (2,004), Wipro (1,523), and Tech Mahindra Americas (951).
This substantial fee increase has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers and community leaders. They argue that a $100,000 H-1B visa fee is a “reckless attempt” to isolate America from highly skilled professionals who have historically contributed to its workforce, fostered innovation, and helped establish industries that employ millions. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi notably voiced concerns that such a policy would have a “huge negative” impact on the IT industry.
The move has also sparked warnings that it could stifle U.S. innovation and potentially redirect the next wave of patent development to Indian cities.