WASHINGTON (RTW) — The Indian government expressed alarm on Saturday regarding Donald Trump’s latest push to alter American immigration policy, specifically through significant increases in visa fees for tech workers coming from India and various other nations.
Last Friday, President Trump announced a proclamation mandating an annual fee of $100,000 for H-1B visas, designed for high-skilled roles that tech firms find challenging to fill. Additionally, he introduced a $1 million premium visa targeting wealthy individuals, both of which are poised to face inevitable legal challenges amid accusations of circumventing Congress.
The visa costs for skilled workforce would see a drastic increase from the current fee of $215 if adopted. India's Ministry of External Affairs noted that the proposal is under close review and highlighted concerns about its humanitarian impacts, particularly regarding family disruptions. The ministry expressed hope for effective resolution by U.S. authorities.
According to statistics, over 70% of H-1B visa holders are from India.
Critics Argue H-1B Changes Undermine American Workforce
The H-1B visa program, which mandates at least a bachelor’s degree, is intended for high-skilled positions that are tough for American firms to fill. Detractors assert that the program adversely affects American workers by attracting overseas talent willing to work for lower wages. Critics urge that this has detrimental implications on job availability for locals.
In response to these changes, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed the tech sector would largely support the president's actions. Nonetheless, major companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta did not provide immediate comments when asked about the announcements. Microsoft opted to remain silent.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has voiced worries regarding the potential impact on employees, their families, and American businesses, indicating they are collaborating with the government to comprehend the situation better.
Lutnick speculated that the proposed fees would limit the number of H-1B visas issued, potentially leading to significantly fewer than the existing cap of 85,000.
Introducing New Premium Visas
Trump also launched a “gold card” visa priced at $1 million, which could lead to a pathway for citizenship. Business sponsors would incur a fee of $2 million to support such an employee. He additionally revealed a “Platinum Card,” set at $5 million, permitting foreigners to reside in the U.S. for up to 270 days without incurring taxes on non-U.S. earnings.
Critics have called the fee hike a recognition of the H-1B visa program’s misuse. Advocating groups like U.S. Tech Workers claimed that eliminating or altering the program would be beneficial for the American labor market.
Contradictory to this, some economic scholars criticized Trump’s unilateral decision-making, emphasizing that reform discussions rightfully belong in Congress rather than being executed solely through presidential proclamation.
Despite the proposed changes, several analysts assert that the existing lottery system, which decides H-1B visa allocations, requires reevaluation. Bezos-led Amazon has had the highest number of recipients among major companies, obtaining more than 10,000 H-1B visas, while there have been accusations of misuse under the current structure.
H-1B visa discussions continue as many industry leaders strive for a system that curbs fraud and emphasizes talents that genuinely meet specific skill requirements. As the implications remain serious for both American and international workers alike, the unfolding narrative is at the forefront of immigration debate in the United States.
