Indian Government Responds to Trump's Immigration Visa Fee Increase

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:28:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, President Trump has announced a dramatic rise in fees for H-1B visas, which could have far-reaching implications for Indian tech workers and their families. The Indian government expresses concern about potential humanitarian consequences as it reviews the implications of these changes.

The Indian government has voiced its concerns regarding President Trump's recent announcement to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, aimed at high-skilled tech workers. The plan, which threatens to significantly limit visa availability and may disrupt the lives of many, particularly from India, is facing criticism for potentially undermining American workers. Various stakeholders, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, express doubts about the long-term economic viability of the changes, which could lead to fewer visas issued than the annual cap allows.

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 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 — meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill. He also rolled out a $1 million 'gold card' visa for wealthy individuals, moves that face near-certain legal challenges amid widespread criticism that he is sidestepping Congress.

If the moves survive legal muster, they will deliver staggering price increases, as the visa fee for skilled workers would jump from $215.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated on Saturday that Trump’s plan 'was being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry.' The ministry warned that 'this measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. The government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by U.S. authorities.'

More than 70% of H-1B visa holders are from India.

Critics Say the H-1B Visas Undercut American Workers

H-1B visas, which require at least a bachelor’s degree, are meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find difficult to fill. Critics argue that the program undermines American workers, attracting individuals from overseas who often accept lower wages than their U.S. counterparts.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the tech industry is unlikely to oppose the fee increase, asserting that 'all big companies' are on board. However, representatives from major tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta, did not respond to requests for comment.

‘We're concerned about the impact on employees, their families, and American employers,’ said the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, mentioning that it is working with the administration to assess the full implications of this policy change.

Lutnick indicated that the changes could result in far fewer H-1B visas being issued than the 85,000 cap allows due to economic reasons.

Expanding Visa Options

In addition to the fee increase, Trump announced plans to offer a 'gold card' visa for $1 million, providing a pathway to U.S. citizenship after thorough vetting, while companies will have to pay $2 million to sponsor an employee.

The 'Trump Platinum Card' will be available for $5 million, allowing foreigners to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days without incurring taxes on non-U.S. income. Critics who previously contested H-1B visas praised this move, although others expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a legitimate effort to address the underlying concerns with the program.

Moreover, Lutnick noted that while the H-1B fees could be implemented by the president, the platinum card proposal would require congressional approval.

Historical Context of H-1B Visas

H-1B visas have historically been distributed through a lottery system, with Amazon being the largest recipient this year. Critics argue that many positions filled through H-1B visas are entry-level roles, rather than those requiring unique expertise, contributing to higher rates of outsourcing basic tasks to consulting companies that hire foreign workers.

First lady Melania Trump was once an H-1B visa recipient in the 1990s, demonstrating the program's longstanding relevance in immigration policy discussions. Furthermore, reports show a significant drop in lottery bids this year, attributed in part to the elimination of fraudulent applications.

Critics and advocates alike continue to call for reforms to the H-1B program, emphasizing that it needs to prioritize wages and workers' rights over arbitrary capricious regulations.