Concerns Rise Over New Visa Policy Impacting Skilled Workers

Tue Sep 30 2025 06:40:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Indian government has voiced concerns following President Trump's announcement of new immigration policies that could drastically raise visa fees for skilled tech workers.

The recent proclamation by President Trump to increase H-1B visa fees has sparked significant reactions from the Indian government and businesses, warning of potential humanitarian consequences. The proposal, which includes raising fees to $100,000 annually for skilled workers, could heavily impact tech firms reliant on this immigration pathway, leading to uncertainty for thousands of families involved. Critics argue that the policy may exacerbate challenges for American workers and push companies towards cheaper foreign labor.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Indian government expressed concern Saturday about President Donald Trump’s latest push to upend American immigration policy, dramatically raising the fee for H-1B visas that bring tech workers from India and other countries to the United States.

The president on Friday signed a proclamation that will require a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, aimed at high-skilled jobs in technology sectors. This fee marks a staggering increase from the previous cost of $215, posing substantial financial implications for many companies.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that Trump's plan was actively being assessed by industry stakeholders. The ministry cautioned that such measures could lead to significant disruptions for families relying on these work visas, urging U.S. authorities to address these issues appropriately.

More than 70% of H-1B visa holders originate from India, making them central to the program.

Critics Say H-1B Program Undercuts Domestic Workforce

Many view H-1B visas as necessary for addressing skill shortages. However, critics argue the program often undercuts American workers by allowing foreign hires at lower salaries. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that tech companies support the changes, hinting that fewer H-1B visas might be available due to the new economic pressures.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials expressed apprehensions regarding the ramifications on employees and American businesses, stating they intend to work closely with the administration to navigate the changes.

Under the new measures, the introduction of a “gold card” visa aimed at wealthy individuals may also shift economic dynamics, providing paths to citizenship for significant financial investments, thereby sidelining the regular immigration routes.

Legality and Implications of the Proposed Changes

Experts warn that Trump's approach lacks legal authority to impose such fees on visas without Congressional approval. Critics assert that these drastic fee hikes are akin to taxation and risk creating chaos for the thousands affected.

Historical patterns show that H-1B visas have typically been allocated via lottery. Recent years have seen tech giants like Amazon leading in the acquisition of these visas, only to face challenges as increased applications raise the stakes.

As discussions around immigration policies evolve, many advocates for reform highlight the need for changes that prioritize high-wage offers rather than random lotteries, emphasizing the importance of protecting both foreign and domestic workers from economic displacement.

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