India Voices Alarm Over Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Surge

Thu Oct 23 2025 00:20:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Indian government raises concerns as US President Donald Trump dramatically increases fees for H-1B visas crucial for tech workers, potentially impacting thousands of families.

In a significant shift in American immigration policy, President Trump has announced a staggering increase in H-1B visa fees, rising from $215 to an annual fee of $100,000. This move has drawn immediate concern from the Indian government, as more than 70% of H-1B visa holders originate from India. Industry leaders worry that the fee hike could disrupt families and deter skilled workers. Critics argue that the changes favor wealthier immigrants over needed labor and could diminish opportunities for American workers. The announcement has sparked debate over the appropriateness of such policy shifts made through executive action rather than congressional cooperation.

In a bold move, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation that raises the fee for H-1B visas—critical to the entry of skilled tech workers from countries like India—from $215 to a dramatic $100,000 per year. This announcement has prompted significant concern from the Indian government, which highlighted the potential humanitarian implications of these changes, particularly for families affected by the sudden and elevated costs of visa applications.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the matter is under careful examination by relevant stakeholders, and underscored the hope that any resulting disruptions could be adequately managed by U.S. authorities.

H-1B visas, aimed at filling high-skilled roles in technology, have been frequently criticized for purportedly allowing employers to outsource skilled labor at lower wages, thus undermining American workers. Critics argue that the program’s structure has led to instances where foreign workers, who may accept lower salaries, fill roles that could OTHERWISE be taken by American citizens.

As such, the commerce sector has reacted warily. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce expressed concerns regarding the downstream effects on employees, their families, and the overall workforce landscape in America. This is compounded by Trump’s introduction of a cash-strapped new 'gold card' visa for wealthy individuals, threatening to further complicate the visa landscape.

Industry executives like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claim that the hike would likely lead to a significant decrease in applications for H-1B visas, potentially strangling the flow of skilled labor into the tech sector just as demand for such talent remains robust. Lutnick noted that companies will be more incentivized to train American citizens rather than recruit international talent.

The astronomical new fees have also prompted questions about the future direction of U.S. immigration policy, with critics calling out the president's unilateral approach to what should ideally be a congressional discussion. Many are concerned that executive proclamations undermine legislative processes, threatening workers' stability and creating chaos among families reliant on these visas.

In recent bidding procedures, the number of lottery applications for H-1B visas has notably decreased, which industry insiders claim is indicative of ongoing attempts to streamline the previously overwhelming process. However, many in the labor sector contend that these reforms still fall short, advocating for further changes to ensure that high-wage offers are prioritized.

As America grapples with these transformative immigration policies, one thing remains clear: the intersection between international workforce migration and domestic employment dynamics will likely continue to generate heated debate across all sectors.