Trump’s Surprise $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Panic Among Indian Tech Workers
A sudden order by US President Donald Trump to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas has sent shockwaves through Indian communities and the global tech industry, leaving uncertainty for millions of skilled professionals.
Chaos in the Air After Announcement
The announcement on Friday triggered confusion and panic, even leading to chaotic scenes aboard an Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai, where many H-1B holders worried about their re-entry into the US.
Video verified by CNN shows the captain addressing passengers who were visibly distressed, saying:
“Due to the current circumstances, obviously they’re unprecedented for us here at Emirates… We are aware that a number of passengers do not wish to travel with us. That’s perfectly fine.”
Passenger Masud Rana, who filmed the moment, described the situation as “complete chaos” in an Instagram post, adding that several Indian travelers chose to leave the aircraft.
Why the H-1B Visa Matters
The H-1B visa program, valid for three years and renewable for another three, has long served as a gateway for top international talent—especially from India—into the US workforce.
While the White House framed the new fee as a step to curb “systemic abuse” and encourage local hiring, critics argue it will disrupt families, derail career paths, and threaten the global talent pipeline fueling America’s innovation ecosystem.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs warned that the visa fee could have “humanitarian consequences” and urged Washington to minimize disruptions.
Impact on Tech Giants and Global Talent
Indian professionals account for the majority of H-1B recipients. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data for fiscal year 2025:
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Amazon secured around 10,000 visas, which could now cost the company $1 billion annually under the new rule.
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) obtained more than 5,500 visas, potentially facing $550 million in fees for just one year.
Other major Indian IT firms—including Infosys, Wipro, HCL Tech, Cognizant, and Tech Mahindra—are also bracing for steep costs.
Analysts at Nomura predict that companies will not absorb these expenses. Instead, the fee is expected to accelerate offshoring, automation, and hiring in near-shore hubs like Mexico and Canada, reserving costly H-1B hires only for critical roles.
A Setback for US, Opportunity for India?
Industry leaders argue the policy could damage America’s innovation advantage. The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) warned of ripple effects on the wider job economy.
Yet some analysts see a silver lining for India. Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services, said the move could “catalyze India’s transformation into a global innovation and delivery hub” by keeping top talent at home.
Mumbai resident Ashok Gupta echoed this view:
“It is a loss for America, not India. Those who cannot afford to go abroad will open offices here. India is already on the path of progress, and this will only speed it up.”
Tariffs Add to US-India Strain
The visa fee comes on the heels of Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed last month over India’s import of Russian oil. Experts believe the new visa order marks a broader front in the escalating US-India trade and tech war.