US H-1B Visa Fee Hike Hits Indian Tech Workers, Strains Trade Talks

President Donald Trump's administration has imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a move that predominantly impacts Indian tech workers who have historically comprised over 70% of visa recipients. This policy aims to protect American workers by discouraging companies from abusing the visa system, but it has stirred confusion and concern among Indian officials, businesses, and workers, threatening the $280 billion Indian tech services industry and complicating U.S.-India trade relations. Indian authorities warn of potential humanitarian consequences and disruption to families, while industry bodies caution that the change may negatively affect America's innovation ecosystem. Prominent Indian-origin executives in major U.S. companies, such as Microsoft and Google, highlight the significant role of H-1B visas in fostering talent and leadership in the U.S. economy. The high visa fee effectively limits opportunities for many skilled Indian workers, pushing some to consider alternative destinations like the Gulf countries, which are emerging as attractive options. This development underscores the growing intertwining of immigration policy with geopolitical and economic objectives between the U.S. and India.