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Trump's New H-1B Fee Hits Indian Workers Hard

9/27/2025

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Trump administration announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, raising employer costs.
Indian nationals, who account for over 70% of H-1B visas, could be hardest hit and face sector disruption.
Microsoft and Amazon urge H-1B visa holders to stay in the U.S.
Indian officials are engaging with U.S. authorities to seek exemptions for healthcare and other critical sectors.

History

Historical Context

Established by Congress in 1990, the H-1B visa program aimed to address labor shortages by allowing skilled foreign workers into the U.S. By 2020, over 70% of H-1B holders were Indian nationals, significantly influencing the tech sector. The Trump administration's 2025 $100,000 fee increase threatens this workforce, prompting major companies to advocate for visa holders, potentially reshaping employment dynamics and U.S.-India relations.

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Story summary

The Trump administration announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, raising employer costs.
Indian nationals, who account for over 70% of H-1B visas, could be hardest hit and face sector disruption.
Microsoft and Amazon urge H-1B visa holders to stay in the U.S.
Indian officials are engaging with U.S. authorities to seek exemptions for healthcare and other critical sectors.

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