India voices concern that Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee could disrupt families, businesses, and affect global tech stability.
NEW DELHI: India has raised strong concerns over the United States’ decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, cautioning that the move could have serious humanitarian consequences and disrupt the lives of thousands of families.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it is carefully examining the policy and stressed that the well-being of professionals and their families must not be overlooked. Officials noted that while governments can revise immigration policies, sudden changes without adequate transition time risk creating uncertainty and distress for workers already living in the US.
India is the largest source of H-1B visa holders, with its technology and engineering professionals making up the majority of approvals. For many families, these visas represent not only career opportunities but also education and stability for children. A drastic increase in costs, New Delhi warned, could place enormous pressure on households that have built their lives in America.
Industry leaders in India also echoed these concerns. Nasscom, the trade body representing the country’s $283 billion IT and outsourcing sector, said the rushed rollout of the fee would disrupt ongoing projects and harm the global innovation chain. “Families, students, and professionals will all feel the ripple effects of this decision,” it stated, urging for a more balanced approach.
Critics argue that such a steep fee risks pushing companies to move jobs offshore, potentially weakening the US tech sector in its competition with China. Supporters of the programme believe that maintaining access to global talent is crucial for innovation and growth.
India hopes Washington will take humanitarian concerns into account, recognising that visa policies are not just about economics, but also about the lives of people who contribute to both nations.
