Organisation Slams Trump’s $100,000 H1B Fee as Reckless, Xenophobic Move

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, prompting strong criticism from Indian American Impact, a leading community organization. The group labeled the policy “reckless” and accused the administration of “weaponizing” immigration to advance a “xenophobic agenda.” The fee, a sharp increase from the previous $215 to $780 range, targets the H-1B program, which allows skilled foreign workers, particularly in STEM fields, to work in the U.S. The policy, effective September 21, 2025, applies only to new petitions, not current visa holders, following White House clarification amid widespread confusion.

Indian American Impact’s Executive Director, Chintan Patel, condemned the fee as a “direct attack” on immigrant workers who drive U.S. innovation and economic growth. Indians account for approximately 72% of H-1B visa holders, contributing significantly to sectors like technology, where companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft rely on their expertise. Patel warned that the policy could destabilize families, disrupt careers, and undermine U.S. competitiveness by discouraging global talent. The organization emphasized that H-1B workers and their families contribute $86 billion annually to the U.S. economy, including $24 billion in taxes and $25 billion to Social Security and Medicare, often without claiming benefits.

Legal expert Navneet Chugh highlighted the broader implications, noting that Indian professionals fill critical gaps in STEM fields, with leaders like Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella exemplifying their impact. He argued that the fee could strain U.S.-India relations, a key strategic partnership amid rising global competition from countries like China, which actively invests in retaining talent. Chugh warned that the policy risks alienating a vital ally while weakening America’s technological edge.

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The proclamation has also raised concerns in academia, with Harvard University facing potential costs exceeding $10 million annually to sponsor over 100 new H-1B visas, according to The Harvard Crimson. Critics, including U.S. lawmakers, have called the fee “reckless,” arguing it could harm the tech industry and innovation. While the administration claims the fee protects American jobs, opponents assert it unfairly targets immigrant communities, particularly Indian professionals, and threatens economic stability.

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