By Tanisha Mohanty
President Trump, in his latest bid to push the ‘America First’ agenda, slapped a huge fee hike of $100,000 (approx. Rs 88 lakhs) on the H-1B visa fee on September 19, 2025. The system will be enforced from midnight, 21st September. This crackdown will mostly affect the IT sector, which is heavily reliant on the Indian and Chinese workforce.
In the signed proclamation, Trump stated the move intends to protect the American professionals and only allow “actually skilled workers” to enter the US. “We need workers. We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that’s what’s going to happen,” stated the POTUS.
Since 1991, the H-1B programme has brought in over 85,000 workers into the country. It is a non-immigrant visa which allows US-based companies to outsource specialised workers with at least a bachelor’s degree, specifically in STEM roles and not employable within the country itself. The visa is usually allowed for three years, flexible up to six years.
The latest modification will lead to a charge of $100,000 to the employer every time an H-1B holder leaves the country as of yet. Any new or pending application will fall under the same jurisdiction. Will Scharf, Secretary of the White House, also stated the programme is one of the “most abused” visa systems in the world.
Companies such as Amazon, TCS, Microsoft, and Meta, JP Morgan, who are the highest beneficiaries, have issued advisories for workers to remain in the state until the full implications of the procedures are understood. They have also warned employees that they might be prohibited from re-entering the US if they leave.
Trump has further introduced a ‘Gold Card’ visa plan, with a fee of $1 million and $2 million for enterprises. Through this programme, the US plans to give opportunities only to “extraordinary people at the top”, who can create jobs for the Americans, as stated by Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce.
The proclamation comes as a huge blow to India, especially after Trump declared a staggering 50% tariff on Indian imports in the country.