‘Humanitarian consequences’: India reacts to US H-1B visa fee hike; maps way forward – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The government on Saturday expressed serious concern over US President Donald Trump’s move to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 annually, calling it a potential disruption for skilled Indian professionals and their families in the United States.In an official statement, the spokesperson said the full implications are being studied, noting that Indian industry has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B program.“Industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward,” the statement said. It highlighted that talent mobility has contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both countries.“Policymakers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries,” the spokesperson added.The government also drew attention to the humanitarian consequences of the proposed restrictions, particularly the disruption caused to families. “We hope these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities,” the statement said.Trump signs proclamation, citing “abuse” of H-1B programTrump on Friday signed the proclamation “Restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers,” claiming the H-1B program had been exploited to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. The new fee takes effect from 12:01 am on September 21, 2025, prompting immigration attorneys and companies to advise H-1B holders or their families currently outside the US to return immediately or risk being stranded.The fee increase represents a massive jump from the current USD 2,000–5,000 range, sparking concerns over its impact on startups, small businesses, and Indian IT professionals. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called the move a “reckless attempt to cut America off from high-skilled workers who fuelled innovation and helped build industries employing millions of Americans.”Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to President Biden, warned that the decision could hurt the US technology sector’s competitive edge, while immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta noted that H-1B holders currently outside the US may already have missed the deadline to return.Impact on Indian IT companies and professionalsIndian IT firms are among the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visas. In 2025, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) received 5,505 approvals, after Amazon with 10,044. Other top recipients include Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Google, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra Americas. H-1B visas, valid for three years and renewable for another three, are critical for thousands of Indian professionals whose companies now face an unprecedented annual fee.

US officials defend the fee hikeWhite House staff secretary Will Scharf described H-1B as “one of the most abused visa systems,” while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the program will now admit only “extraordinary people at the very top,” generating over USD 100 billion for the US Treasury. Trump also introduced the ‘Gold Card’ program, allowing individuals or companies to pay USD 1–2 million for expedited visas and a path to Green Cards.Industry and social media alertsMicrosoft reportedly issued an internal advisory urging H-1B employees and dependents to avoid travel abroad and return before the September 21 deadline. Experts warn the steep fee hike may drive skilled professionals away from the US, potentially impacting Silicon Valley and other tech hubs reliant on global talent.