US Vice President JD Vance said that his rhetoric on H1B visas was “imperfect”. During his one-hour CBS News town hall titled "Things That Matter," he faced questions from a naturalised US citizen, Niv Agaram, who accused Vance of "scapegoating" immigrants for his and Trump administrations' failure. Vance responded that he meant US companies and the visa system, not H-1B visa holders."After seeing ICE behave like military police and you called H-1B visa workers ‘indentured servants,’ I think Americans are anything but safe! Why are you scapegoating immigrants for the issues you’re supposed to be solving?” said Niv Agaram.&nbsp;“I would say, and to the extent that my rhetoric has been imperfect here, that's on me,” Vance responded."It's a criticism of the visa system that allows people to be treated effectively as indentured servants that can be shipped back to their country of origin," said Vance.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-h1b-rhetoric-imperfect-immigrant-challenge-1792328233165">JD Vance admits H-1B rhetoric was ‘imperfect’ after immigrant challenges him</a>Vance once again brought up his in-laws' and wife's identity to insulate himself from charges of xenophobia or scapegoating. His wife, Usha Vance, belongs to an immigrant family."You know where my family comes from, and I love my mother-in-law and father-in-law who immigrated from South India, and obviously their daughter, born in the United States of America, is now the second lady, and I’m very proud of her, and I love her very much," said Vance.Vice President JD Vance had sparked a major diplomatic row in early October by explicitly describing H-1B visa holders as "foreign indentured servants." He delivered the remarks during an official White House briefing and Fraud Task Force press conference in Washington, DC, while announcing the suspension of tech companies like Adobe and Microsoft from the PERM green card program.The remark drew a reaction from India, as 70% of all approved H-1B petitions annually are Indian. India objected to the terminology as "deeply offensive" and said it carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations.

JD Vance said his H-1B visa rhetoric was “imperfect” after US citizen Niv Agaram accused him of scapegoating immigrants during a CBS News town hall.

US Vice President JD Vance said that his rhetoric on H1B visas was “imperfect”. During his one-hour CBS News town hall titled "Things That Matter," he faced questions from a naturalised US citizen, Niv Agaram, who accused Vance of "scapegoating" immigrants for his and Trump administrations' failure. Vance responded that he meant US companies and the visa system, not H-1B visa holders. "After seeing ICE behave like military police and you called H-1B visa workers ‘indentured servants,’ I think Americans are anything but safe! Why are you scapegoating immigrants for the issues you’re supposed to be solving?” said Niv Agaram. “I would say, and to the extent that my rhetoric has been imperfect here, that's on me,” Vance responded. "It's a criticism of the visa system that allows people to be treated effectively as indentured servants that can be shipped back to their country of origin," said Vance. Also Read: JD Vance admits H-1B rhetoric was ‘imperfect’ after immigrant challenges him Vance once again brought up his in-laws' and wife's identity to insulate himself from charges of xenophobia or scapegoating. His wife, Usha Vance, belongs to an immigrant family. "You know where my family comes from, and I love my mother-in-law and father-in-law who immigrated from South India, and obviously their daughter, born in the United States of America, is now the second lady, and I’m very proud of her, and I love her very much," said Vance. Vice President JD Vance had sparked a major diplomatic row in early October by explicitly describing H-1B visa holders as "foreign indentured servants." He delivered the remarks during an official White House briefing and Fraud Task Force press conference in Washington, DC, while announcing the suspension of tech companies like Adobe and Microsoft from the PERM green card program. The remark drew a reaction from India, as 70% of all approved H-1B petitions annually are Indian. India objected to the terminology as "deeply offensive" and said it carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations.

JD Vance said his H-1B visa rhetoric was “imperfect” after US citizen Niv Agaram accused him of scapegoating immigrants during a CBS News town hall.

JD Vance admits H-1B rhetoric was ‘imperfect’ after immigrant challenges him

US Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor Anthony D’Esposito on Thursday (Oct 08) reacted with mockery to news of the Indian stock market allegedly collapsing after the Donald Trump administration announced immigration curbs on major IT firms. "Ruh Roh." he said while sharing a post claiming that "The Indian stock market completely COLLAPSED today after the Trump Administration suspended H-1B and foreign labour programs over fraud." But did the Indian share market collapse following the announcement? WION does a fact check.<h2><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261009/image-1791539423460.png"></h2>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-offensive-india-hits-back-at-us-vice-president-jd-vance-for-indentured-labour-remark-1791529828211">'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark</a><h2>US curbs and Indian IT giants</h2>On Thursday, the US put curbs on eight IT firms. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended.US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-ending-flow-of-cheap-labour-jd-vance-hits-back-at-indian-origin-congresswoman-over-us-green-card-curbs-for-major-tech-companies-1791516363899">‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies</a><h2>What happened to Indian stock markets after the announcement?</h2>D’Esposito has gotten a fact check on X itself, with users pointing out in the community notes below the post that the Indian stock market had closed hours before the Trump administration’s October 8 announcement.On Friday (Oct 09), despite the US announcement, Indian markets opened on a high, with IT stocks witnessing strong buying. According to ANI, the Nifty 50 opened at 22,303.35, gaining 70.55 points or 0.32 per cent, while the BSE Sensex was trading at 71,747.82, up 154.5 points or 0.22 per cent.The Nifty IT index jumped 2.73 per cent, while most other sectoral indices on the NSE also traded in positive territory after losses the previous day (Thursday, Oct 08). Nifty FMCG rose 0.96 per cent, Nifty Private Bank gained 0.56 per cent, Nifty PSU Bank advanced 0.47 per cent, Nifty Metal increased 0.26 per cent, Nifty Pharma rose 0.22 per cent, and Nifty Auto gained 0.12 per cent.&nbsp;

Anthony D’Esposito, a top US official, appeared to mock India after a viral post claimed the Indian stock market had “completely COLLAPSED” following Trump’s latest IT curbs. But there’s a major problem with the claim: the data doesn’t add up. Here’s what the market data shows.

US Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor Anthony D’Esposito on Thursday (Oct 08) reacted with mockery to news of the Indian stock market allegedly collapsing after the Donald Trump administration announced immigration curbs on major IT firms. "Ruh Roh." he said while sharing a post claiming that "The Indian stock market completely COLLAPSED today after the Trump Administration suspended H-1B and foreign labour programs over fraud." But did the Indian share market collapse following the announcement? WION does a fact check. Also read | 'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark US curbs and Indian IT giants On Thursday, the US put curbs on eight IT firms. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended. US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers. Also read | ‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies What happened to Indian stock markets after the announcement? D’Esposito has gotten a fact check on X itself, with users pointing out in the community notes below the post that the Indian stock market had closed hours before the Trump administration’s October 8 announcement. On Friday (Oct 09), despite the US announcement, Indian markets opened on a high, with IT stocks witnessing strong buying. According to ANI, the Nifty 50 opened at 22,303.35, gaining 70.55 points or 0.32 per cent, while the BSE Sensex was trading at 71,747.82, up 154.5 points or 0.22 per cent. The Nifty IT index jumped 2.73 per cent, while most other sectoral indices on the NSE also traded in positive territory after losses the previous day (Thursday, Oct 08). Nifty FMCG rose 0.96 per cent, Nifty Private Bank gained 0.56 per cent, Nifty PSU Bank advanced 0.47 per cent, Nifty Metal increased 0.26 per cent, Nifty Pharma rose 0.22 per cent, and Nifty Auto gained 0.12 per cent.

Anthony D’Esposito, a top US official, appeared to mock India after a viral post claimed the Indian stock market had “completely COLLAPSED” following Trump’s latest IT curbs. But there’s a major problem with the claim: the data doesn’t add up. Here’s what the market data shows.

‘Ruh Roh’: Top US official mocks ‘Indian market collapse’ claim after Trump’s IT curbs. But did it? | FACT CHECK

India has strongly objected to US Vice President JD Vance’s description of H-1B visa holders as “indentured labour”, calling the terminology deeply offensive because of its painful historical and colonial associations. “Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” India said, adding that “such descriptions are unwarranted”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-ending-flow-of-cheap-labour-jd-vance-hits-back-at-indian-origin-congresswoman-over-us-green-card-curbs-for-major-tech-companies-1791516363899">‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies</a>"We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem,” the MEA said in a statement.<h2>What did JD Vance say?</h2>Vance on Thursday (Oc 08) criticised the use of H-1B visas while addressing a news conference on visa fraud, describing some foreign workers as “indentured servants”. He alleged that H-1B workers earned less than American citizens in comparable roles and claimed that foreign outsourcing firms used overseas recruitment to undercut US wages.&nbsp;“If you are working as an H-1B visa in the United States of America, you’re earning $20,000 less than an American citizen hired in the same position,” Vance said. He claimed that workers brought in by foreign outsourcing firms earned $48,000 less than American workers in similar positions.<h2>American curbs and Indian tech workers&nbsp;</h2>The Trump administration on Thursday suspended major technology companies from an employment-based green card programme, accusing critics of wanting to preserve a “never-ending flow of cheap labour”. The move has direct implications for Indian IT services firms and thousands of Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wait-till-you-rahul-gandhi-takes-a-swipe-as-musk-s-ambani-real-boss-of-india-remark-triggers-x-subscription-cancellations-starlink-row-1791512600230">‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'Ambani real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations</a><h2>Indian IT giants among companies suspended</h2>The dispute follows a major move by the US Labour Department, which suspended several large technology and IT outsourcing companies from the PERM programme amid multiple active federal investigations. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended.US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers.

'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark

India has strongly objected to US Vice President JD Vance’s description of H-1B visa holders as “indentured labour”, calling the terminology deeply offensive because of its painful historical and colonial associations. “Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” India said, adding that “such descriptions are unwarranted”. Also read | ‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies "We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem,” the MEA said in a statement. What did JD Vance say? Vance on Thursday (Oc 08) criticised the use of H-1B visas while addressing a news conference on visa fraud, describing some foreign workers as “indentured servants”. He alleged that H-1B workers earned less than American citizens in comparable roles and claimed that foreign outsourcing firms used overseas recruitment to undercut US wages. “If you are working as an H-1B visa in the United States of America, you’re earning $20,000 less than an American citizen hired in the same position,” Vance said. He claimed that workers brought in by foreign outsourcing firms earned $48,000 less than American workers in similar positions. American curbs and Indian tech workers The Trump administration on Thursday suspended major technology companies from an employment-based green card programme, accusing critics of wanting to preserve a “never-ending flow of cheap labour”. The move has direct implications for Indian IT services firms and thousands of Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States. Also read | ‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'Ambani real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations Indian IT giants among companies suspended The dispute follows a major move by the US Labour Department, which suspended several large technology and IT outsourcing companies from the PERM programme amid multiple active federal investigations. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended. US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers.

India has criticised US Vice President JD Vance’s description of H-1B visa holders as “indentured labour”. New Delhi pointed out that the phrase carries painful historical and colonial associations and is deeply offensive. All you need to know.

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration's decision to suspend major technology companies from an employment-based green card programme, accusing critics of wanting to preserve a “never-ending flow of cheap labour”. The move has direct implications for Indian IT services firms and thousands of Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States.Vance made the remarks on Friday (Oct 08) in a X post while responding to Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who criticised the administration's decision to suspend companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, a key step in the employment-based green card process. “‘Socialism’ apparently means fighting like hell to ensure mega-corporations have a never-ending flow of cheap labour,” Vance wrote.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261009/image-1791516862986.png"></figure>Jayapal, who sits on the House Immigration Subcommittee and previously held an H-1B visa, argued that the administration's actions were undermining legal immigration and threatening America's ability to innovate.<h2>Jayapal warns against restricting legal immigration</h2>Jayapal said the PERM programme provides a structured route for foreign workers seeking employment-based green cards while requiring employers to demonstrate that hiring them would benefit the US economy and not harm American workers. “The administration has been consistently working to take away legal pathways for immigrants to contribute their talents to our country, and this is yet another of those attacks,” she wrote on X.She also argued that immigrants play an important role in the technology sector and other parts of the US economy. “You don’t fix a broken immigration system by taking a hammer to legal immigration,” she said, adding that targeting Microsoft or the PERM programme would weaken legal immigration and America's capacity to innovate.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-dogedesigner-all-we-know-about-the-x-account-that-sparked-india-musk-starlink-oligarchs-controversy-1791440139278">Who is DogeDesigner? All we know about the X account that sparked India-Musk-Starlink ‘oligarchs’ controversy</a><h2>Indian IT giants among companies suspended</h2>The dispute follows a major move by the US Labour Department, which suspended several large technology and IT outsourcing companies from the PERM programme amid multiple active federal investigations. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended.US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers.<h2>Vance calls H-1B workers ‘indentured servants’</h2>Vance had earlier criticised the use of H-1B visas while addressing a news conference on visa fraud, describing some foreign workers as “indentured servants”. He alleged that H-1B workers earned less than American citizens in comparable roles and claimed that foreign outsourcing firms used overseas recruitment to undercut US wages.&nbsp;“If you are working as an H-1B visa in the United States of America, you’re earning $20,000 less than an American citizen hired in the same position,” Vance said. He claimed that workers brought in by foreign outsourcing firms earned $48,000 less than American workers in similar positions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wait-till-you-rahul-gandhi-takes-a-swipe-as-musk-s-ambani-real-boss-of-india-remark-triggers-x-subscription-cancellations-starlink-row-1791512600230">‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations</a><h2>What the move means for Indian professionals</h2>The suspension places Indian technology companies and workers in the spotlight because Indian IT firms are major participants in the US market and many Indian professionals pursue employment-based permanent residency through employer-sponsored processes.The PERM labour certification is generally an important stage in the employment-based green card process for eligible workers. A suspension can complicate or delay employers' ability to move forward through that route, depending on the scope and status of the action.The development also comes amid broader scrutiny of foreign-worker pathways. A day before the announcement, the US Department of Homeland Security proposed new fees for F-1 international students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training, saying the measure was intended to protect American workers and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system.

JD Vance has defended the Trump admin's green card programme suspensions, accusing critics of protecting a “never-ending flow of cheap labour”. Indian IT giants including Infosys, TCS and Wipro are among the companies affected, raising concerns for Indian professionals seeking US residency.

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration's decision to suspend major technology companies from an employment-based green card programme, accusing critics of wanting to preserve a “never-ending flow of cheap labour”. The move has direct implications for Indian IT services firms and thousands of Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States. Vance made the remarks on Friday (Oct 08) in a X post while responding to Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who criticised the administration's decision to suspend companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, a key step in the employment-based green card process. “‘Socialism’ apparently means fighting like hell to ensure mega-corporations have a never-ending flow of cheap labour,” Vance wrote. Jayapal, who sits on the House Immigration Subcommittee and previously held an H-1B visa, argued that the administration's actions were undermining legal immigration and threatening America's ability to innovate. Jayapal warns against restricting legal immigration Jayapal said the PERM programme provides a structured route for foreign workers seeking employment-based green cards while requiring employers to demonstrate that hiring them would benefit the US economy and not harm American workers. “The administration has been consistently working to take away legal pathways for immigrants to contribute their talents to our country, and this is yet another of those attacks,” she wrote on X. She also argued that immigrants play an important role in the technology sector and other parts of the US economy. “You don’t fix a broken immigration system by taking a hammer to legal immigration,” she said, adding that targeting Microsoft or the PERM programme would weaken legal immigration and America's capacity to innovate. Also read | Who is DogeDesigner? All we know about the X account that sparked India-Musk-Starlink ‘oligarchs’ controversy Indian IT giants among companies suspended The dispute follows a major move by the US Labour Department, which suspended several large technology and IT outsourcing companies from the PERM programme amid multiple active federal investigations. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended. US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers. Vance calls H-1B workers ‘indentured servants’ Vance had earlier criticised the use of H-1B visas while addressing a news conference on visa fraud, describing some foreign workers as “indentured servants”. He alleged that H-1B workers earned less than American citizens in comparable roles and claimed that foreign outsourcing firms used overseas recruitment to undercut US wages. “If you are working as an H-1B visa in the United States of America, you’re earning $20,000 less than an American citizen hired in the same position,” Vance said. He claimed that workers brought in by foreign outsourcing firms earned $48,000 less than American workers in similar positions. Also read | ‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations What the move means for Indian professionals The suspension places Indian technology companies and workers in the spotlight because Indian IT firms are major participants in the US market and many Indian professionals pursue employment-based permanent residency through employer-sponsored processes. The PERM labour certification is generally an important stage in the employment-based green card process for eligible workers. A suspension can complicate or delay employers' ability to move forward through that route, depending on the scope and status of the action. The development also comes amid broader scrutiny of foreign-worker pathways. A day before the announcement, the US Department of Homeland Security proposed new fees for F-1 international students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training, saying the measure was intended to protect American workers and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system.

JD Vance has defended the Trump admin's green card programme suspensions, accusing critics of protecting a “never-ending flow of cheap labour”. Indian IT giants including Infosys, TCS and Wipro are among the companies affected, raising concerns for Indian professionals seeking US residency.

‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies

The Donald Trump administration has proposed a major change to the rules governing foreign workers in the United States. The proposal would end the current 60 day grace period available to some temporary visa holders after they lose or leave their jobs.&nbsp;The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed the rule change, which could put greater pressure on Indian professionals holding H-1B and certain other temporary work visas. Under the proposed system, workers would be required to leave the US once their employment ends.<h2>What the proposed rule would change</h2>At present, eligible foreign workers can generally remain in the US for up to 60 days after a layoff or termination, or until their authorised stay expires, whichever comes first. The period can allow them to search for another employer, apply for a change of status such as a transition to a B visitor visa, or prepare to leave the country.&nbsp;The proposed change would remove that flexibility and directly link a worker's non-immigrant status to the employment or activity that supported their admission or status in the US.&nbsp;“This proposal restores a direct relationship between an alien’s non-immigrant status and the specific employment or activity that formed the basis of his or her admission or grant of status in the United States and reduces administrative burden,” the DHS said in a statement on Thursday.&nbsp;The proposal would also affect American technology companies and other businesses that depend on foreign workers. The DHS acknowledged the potential impact on companies but said the affected positions could instead be offered to American workers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seeks-to-bridge-brics-divisions-ahead-of-new-delhi-summit-1789062012165">India seeks to bridge BRICS divisions ahead of New Delhi summit</a><h2>Policy introduced in 2016 could be reversed</h2>The proposed rule represents a reversal of a policy introduced by DHS in 2016. The agency had then recognised that workers could lose their jobs through circumstances beyond their control and allowed skilled foreign workers additional time to secure new employment.&nbsp;The DHS said some workers who leave the US could potentially return if their employer later files a petition on their behalf.&nbsp;"DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process depending on their workforce requirement," the notice said.&nbsp;The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten rules around legal migration after returning to office in January 2025. The administration has also introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and recently paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions worldwide while it rolls out a new training programme.

The Trump administration has proposed ending the 60 day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss, a move that could particularly affect Indian professionals in the US.

The Donald Trump administration has proposed a major change to the rules governing foreign workers in the United States. The proposal would end the current 60 day grace period available to some temporary visa holders after they lose or leave their jobs. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed the rule change, which could put greater pressure on Indian professionals holding H-1B and certain other temporary work visas. Under the proposed system, workers would be required to leave the US once their employment ends. What the proposed rule would change At present, eligible foreign workers can generally remain in the US for up to 60 days after a layoff or termination, or until their authorised stay expires, whichever comes first. The period can allow them to search for another employer, apply for a change of status such as a transition to a B visitor visa, or prepare to leave the country. The proposed change would remove that flexibility and directly link a worker's non-immigrant status to the employment or activity that supported their admission or status in the US. “This proposal restores a direct relationship between an alien’s non-immigrant status and the specific employment or activity that formed the basis of his or her admission or grant of status in the United States and reduces administrative burden,” the DHS said in a statement on Thursday. The proposal would also affect American technology companies and other businesses that depend on foreign workers. The DHS acknowledged the potential impact on companies but said the affected positions could instead be offered to American workers. Also Read: India seeks to bridge BRICS divisions ahead of New Delhi summit Policy introduced in 2016 could be reversed The proposed rule represents a reversal of a policy introduced by DHS in 2016. The agency had then recognised that workers could lose their jobs through circumstances beyond their control and allowed skilled foreign workers additional time to secure new employment. The DHS said some workers who leave the US could potentially return if their employer later files a petition on their behalf. "DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process depending on their workforce requirement," the notice said. The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten rules around legal migration after returning to office in January 2025. The administration has also introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and recently paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions worldwide while it rolls out a new training programme.

The Trump administration has proposed ending the 60 day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss, a move that could particularly affect Indian professionals in the US.

Trump administration proposes to end 60 day H-1B grace period after job loss; Indian workers to get impacted

A Democratic senator has introduced legislation that would create a new pathway to permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants in the United States, including many Indian H-1B visa holders, even as President Donald Trump continues to pursue a hardline immigration agenda.&nbsp;The proposal, introduced by California Senator Alex Padilla, seeks to amend a long-standing immigration provision that has remained unchanged since 1986. If passed, the bill would allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years to apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-first-attack-on-us-forces-since-trump-halted-strikes-missiles-intercepted-1785281377077">Iran launches first attack on US forces since Trump halted strikes, missiles intercepted</a>&nbsp;According to a statement from Padilla’s office, the measure could benefit more than 8 million people. “A year ago, I introduced this bill to push back against the Trump administration’s cruel treatment of hardworking immigrants,” Padilla said. “Since then, President Trump’s campaign of fear has only escalated, with families living under constant uncertainty despite having built their lives in this country,” he added.&nbsp;Padilla argued that Congress could no longer ignore the contribution of long-term immigrants to the US economy and society. “Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day. It’s past time to modernise our immigration laws and create a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency,” he said.&nbsp;The proposed legislation, titled the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, would require applicants to have lived in the United States continuously for at least seven years, have no criminal record and satisfy all other existing Green Card eligibility requirements.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-iran-signal-de-escalation-after-deadly-strike-on-vessel-in-caspian-sea-1785280292272">Ukraine, Iran signal de-escalation after deadly strike on vessel in Caspian Sea</a>&nbsp;The bill could be particularly significant for Indian nationals on H-1B visas, many of whom face decades-long waits for employment-based Green Cards because of country-specific caps.However, the legislation faces steep political hurdles. With Republicans continuing to push for stricter immigration measures, the prospects of the bill clearing Congress remain uncertain.

US Senator Alex Padilla introduced a bill allowing long-term US immigrants, including Indian H-1B holders living in the country for seven years, to apply for Green Cards despite steep political hurdles.

A Democratic senator has introduced legislation that would create a new pathway to permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants in the United States, including many Indian H-1B visa holders, even as President Donald Trump continues to pursue a hardline immigration agenda. The proposal, introduced by California Senator Alex Padilla, seeks to amend a long-standing immigration provision that has remained unchanged since 1986. If passed, the bill would allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years to apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card. Also read: Iran launches first attack on US forces since Trump halted strikes, missiles intercepted According to a statement from Padilla’s office, the measure could benefit more than 8 million people. “A year ago, I introduced this bill to push back against the Trump administration’s cruel treatment of hardworking immigrants,” Padilla said. “Since then, President Trump’s campaign of fear has only escalated, with families living under constant uncertainty despite having built their lives in this country,” he added. Padilla argued that Congress could no longer ignore the contribution of long-term immigrants to the US economy and society. “Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day. It’s past time to modernise our immigration laws and create a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency,” he said. The proposed legislation, titled the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, would require applicants to have lived in the United States continuously for at least seven years, have no criminal record and satisfy all other existing Green Card eligibility requirements. Also read: Ukraine, Iran signal de-escalation after deadly strike on vessel in Caspian Sea The bill could be particularly significant for Indian nationals on H-1B visas, many of whom face decades-long waits for employment-based Green Cards because of country-specific caps. However, the legislation faces steep political hurdles. With Republicans continuing to push for stricter immigration measures, the prospects of the bill clearing Congress remain uncertain.

US Senator Alex Padilla introduced a bill allowing long-term US immigrants, including Indian H-1B holders living in the country for seven years, to apply for Green Cards despite steep political hurdles.

Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier

The US has launched a major investigation into an alleged fraud involving the H-1B visa programme, with IT services company Cognizant among the firms facing scrutiny. The investigation was announced on Wednesday (July 8), with US Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito saying that authorities were examining suspected misuse of the visa programme and its links to wider criminal activity.&nbsp;“This is another example where fraud is fuelling violent crime,” D'Esposito was quoted as saying by FOX Business. He further alleged that visa-related fraud and human trafficking involving foreign labour were often connected to organised criminal networks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-on-iranian-targets-after-merchant-ships-hit-off-oman-1783460027337">US 'violates MoU', launches fresh strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on vessels in Hormuz</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Breaking: US Labour Department says it will launch probe into H-1B visa abuse into companies like IT firm Cognizant, which was founded in India <a href="https://t.co/c4FFmaVBWi">pic.twitter.com/c4FFmaVBWi</a>&mdash; TPF Media (@editor_pakfront) <a href="https://x.com/editor_pakfront/status/2074883775079870669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Much of the visa and the human trafficking that we see when it comes to this foreign labour is tied to cartels, is tied to transnational gangs, and this is the work that we should be doing, not only to make America safe again, but to make America more affordable again,” he said.&nbsp;The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows US employers to recruit highly skilled foreign professionals for specialised occupations. It is initially issued for three years and can be extended for up to six years.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-greenland-should-be-under-us-control-denmark-rejects-claim-at-nato-summit-1783452522464">Trump says Greenland should be under US control, Denmark rejects claim at NATO Summit</a>&nbsp;The programme is widely used by the technology industry, which accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of all new H-1B visa applications in recent years. Other major users include consulting and professional services firms, engineering and manufacturing companies, healthcare and medical research institutions, and higher education organisations.&nbsp;Authorities have not yet disclosed the full scope of the investigation or announced any charges. The probe is expected to examine whether companies complied with regulations governing the recruitment and employment of foreign workers under the H-1B programme.

The US has launched a major investigation into alleged H-1B visa fraud and its links to organised crime and trafficking, placing IT firm Cognizant and others under scrutiny.

The US has launched a major investigation into an alleged fraud involving the H-1B visa programme, with IT services company Cognizant among the firms facing scrutiny. The investigation was announced on Wednesday (July 8), with US Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito saying that authorities were examining suspected misuse of the visa programme and its links to wider criminal activity. “This is another example where fraud is fuelling violent crime,” D'Esposito was quoted as saying by FOX Business. He further alleged that visa-related fraud and human trafficking involving foreign labour were often connected to organised criminal networks. Also read: US 'violates MoU', launches fresh strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on vessels in Hormuz

The US has launched a major investigation into alleged H-1B visa fraud and its links to organised crime and trafficking, placing IT firm Cognizant and others under scrutiny.

US launches fresh H-1B visa fraud probe amid crackdown on foreign labour abuse

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has introduced a bill seeking a three-year pause on the H-1B visa programme, arguing that it is being used to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labour.&nbsp;The proposed “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026”, introduced by Eli Crane, calls for a temporary halt to the programme along with major changes to how visas are issued. The bill proposes cutting the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000, setting a minimum salary threshold of 200,000 dollars, and restricting visa holders from bringing dependents.&nbsp;The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures.&nbsp;The bill has received backing from several Republican lawmakers, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar and Tom McClintock.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kejriwal-anti-women-aap-using-punjab-as-personal-atm-swati-maliwal-after-joining-bjp-1777119647678">Kejriwal ‘anti-women’, AAP using Punjab as ‘personal ATM’: Swati Maliwal after joining BJP</a>&nbsp;The H-1B visa programme is widely used by US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. Indian professionals form one of the largest groups of recipients, making the proposed changes significant for India’s workforce abroad.&nbsp;The bill also proposes structural reforms to the programme. It seeks to replace the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process, requiring employers to prioritise higher-paid roles. Companies would need to certify that they are unable to find qualified American workers and that no recent layoffs have taken place.&nbsp;Further, the legislation aims to bar third-party staffing firms from hiring H-1B workers, prevent visa holders from taking multiple jobs, and restrict their transition to permanent residency, reinforcing the temporary nature of the visa.&nbsp;It also calls for barring federal agencies from hiring or sponsoring non-immigrant workers and proposes ending the Optional Practical Training programme.&nbsp;If passed, the bill could significantly reshape the H-1B system, tightening access while increasing scrutiny on employers, and is likely to trigger strong reactions from both the technology industry and immigrant communities.

The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures.

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has introduced a bill seeking a three-year pause on the H-1B visa programme, arguing that it is being used to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labour. The proposed “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026”, introduced by Eli Crane, calls for a temporary halt to the programme along with major changes to how visas are issued. The bill proposes cutting the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000, setting a minimum salary threshold of 200,000 dollars, and restricting visa holders from bringing dependents. The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures. The bill has received backing from several Republican lawmakers, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar and Tom McClintock. Also Read: Kejriwal ‘anti-women’, AAP using Punjab as ‘personal ATM’: Swati Maliwal after joining BJP The H-1B visa programme is widely used by US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. Indian professionals form one of the largest groups of recipients, making the proposed changes significant for India’s workforce abroad. The bill also proposes structural reforms to the programme. It seeks to replace the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process, requiring employers to prioritise higher-paid roles. Companies would need to certify that they are unable to find qualified American workers and that no recent layoffs have taken place. Further, the legislation aims to bar third-party staffing firms from hiring H-1B workers, prevent visa holders from taking multiple jobs, and restrict their transition to permanent residency, reinforcing the temporary nature of the visa. It also calls for barring federal agencies from hiring or sponsoring non-immigrant workers and proposes ending the Optional Practical Training programme. If passed, the bill could significantly reshape the H-1B system, tightening access while increasing scrutiny on employers, and is likely to trigger strong reactions from both the technology industry and immigrant communities.

The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures.

US Republicans moves bill to pause H-1B visas for 3 years, propose major overhaul

The H-1B visa registration window for fiscal year 2027 has officially closed, and filings this year have dropped significantly. Experts say tighter rules and higher fees are reshaping the playing field, and some companies may actually benefit.


Why H-1B Visa Applications Are Falling? 

The registration process of H-1B visa for FY27 experienced a sharp decline, falling between 30 per cent and 50 per cent lower than last year, according to immigration attorneys. The registration process, which was closed on March 19, indicates growing caution among employers due to the higher visa fees and changes to the lottery system, which also now gives preference to higher wages earlier models fell short. The decline has affected major IT outsourcing firms and startups. However, experts stated that the revised rules are creating opportunities for Mid-tier IT companies that are ready to pay higher salaries for specialised talent, according to a report by The Economic Times. They also benefit smaller firms that previously struggled due to bulk applications from large outsourcing companies, as well as US master’s degree holders, who now have a stronger edge under the wage-based selection system. “Previously, these companies were often discouraged by the diluted odds created by large outsourcing firms. Now that the playing field is level, they feel they have a legitimate, fair shot at securing talent," said Shilpa Malik, managing attorney at VisaNation Law Group. Additionally, immigration experts noted that employers are increasingly focusing on offering higher wages to maximise selection chances. The development marks a shift from the past years, when companies often submitted large volumes of applications without prioritising salary levels. For FY26, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received 336,153 eligible registrations.<h3>What does this declining H-1B visa registration mean for industry?</h3>The revised system marks a significant shift in H-1B hiring patterns. First, is that the large outsourcing firms may see a decline in their dominance in the lottery process. The second indicates that the mid-sized IT companies could gain an advantage by focusing on high-skilled, higher-paid talent. And the third is that the graduates in the US with advanced degrees are likely to benefit the most under the new structure. For many employers, this shift reflects both the increasing cost of H-1B applications, estimated at around $100,000 for new filings, and the need to adjust to a more selective system that prioritises higher wages.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-tehran-mayor-police-chief-and-presidential-hopeful-trump-top-person-negotiator-from-iran-irgc-commander-parliament-speaker-1774328837061/1774328837062">Tehran mayor, police chief and presidential hopeful: Who is Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, man linked to Trump's Iran negotiator claim</a> &nbsp;

The decline in the registration process of the H-1B visa has affected major IT outsourcing firms and startups. However, experts stated that the revised rules are creating opportunities for Mid-tier IT companies that are ready to pay higher salaries for specialised talent.

The registration process of H-1B visa for FY27 experienced a sharp decline, falling between 30 per cent and 50 per cent lower than last year, according to immigration attorneys. The registration process, which was closed on March 19, indicates growing caution among employers due to the higher visa fees and changes to the lottery system, which also now gives preference to higher wages earlier models fell short. The decline has affected major IT outsourcing firms and startups. However, experts stated that the revised rules are creating opportunities for Mid-tier IT companies that are ready to pay higher salaries for specialised talent, according to a report by The Economic Times. They also benefit smaller firms that previously struggled due to bulk applications from large outsourcing companies, as well as US master’s degree holders, who now have a stronger edge under the wage-based selection system. “Previously, these companies were often discouraged by the diluted odds created by large outsourcing firms. Now that the playing field is level, they feel they have a legitimate, fair shot at securing talent," said Shilpa Malik, managing attorney at VisaNation Law Group. Additionally, immigration experts noted that employers are increasingly focusing on offering higher wages to maximise selection chances. The development marks a shift from the past years, when companies often submitted large volumes of applications without prioritising salary levels. For FY26, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received 336,153 eligible registrations. What does this declining H-1B visa registration mean for industry? The revised system marks a significant shift in H-1B hiring patterns. First, is that the large outsourcing firms may see a decline in their dominance in the lottery process. The second indicates that the mid-sized IT companies could gain an advantage by focusing on high-skilled, higher-paid talent. And the third is that the graduates in the US with advanced degrees are likely to benefit the most under the new structure. For many employers, this shift reflects both the increasing cost of H-1B applications, estimated at around $100,000 for new filings, and the need to adjust to a more selective system that prioritises higher wages. Also read: Tehran mayor, police chief and presidential hopeful: Who is Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, man linked to Trump's Iran negotiator claim

The decline in the registration process of the H-1B visa has affected major IT outsourcing firms and startups. However, experts stated that the revised rules are creating opportunities for Mid-tier IT companies that are ready to pay higher salaries for specialised talent.

US H-1B visa registration drops 30–50% after new rules: What does it mean for industry?

India is emerging as a preferred destination for skilled technology professionals as uncertainty around the US H-1B visa programme forces many to rethink their future. What was once a one-way journey from India to Silicon Valley is now showing signs of reversal, with experienced engineers, founders and executives choosing to return home, according to a Bloomberg report.Stricter immigration rules, rising visa costs and delays under President Donald Trump’s administration have made long-term planning difficult for foreign workers in the US. As a result, India is increasingly benefiting from a flow of global tech talent looking for stability and opportunity.<h2>H-1B uncertainty reshapes global tech careers</h2>Indian professionals have long dominated the H-1B visa system, accounting for nearly three-quarters of annual approvals. Many of today’s global tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, once relied on the programme early in their careers.However, recent policy changes have altered that equation. Higher application fees, stricter eligibility rules and increased scrutiny have made the US a risky option, especially for young engineers and startup founders.Bloomberg reports that LinkedIn data showed a 40 per cent rise in tech professionals relocating to India in late 2025, pointing to a clear shift in global talent movement. At the same time, multinational firms are expanding their engineering and AI teams directly in India instead of hiring through US visas.<h2>Founders and firms follow talent back to India</h2>Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, told Bloomberg that his own US career ended suddenly in 2007 after his H-1B visa was denied. At just 23, he returned to India, where he later built one of the country’s earliest e-commerce companies and now supports startups through his venture fund.He said recent visa announcements have triggered renewed interest among founders and professionals seeking alternatives to the US. According to him, visa uncertainty is already pushing skilled workers towards India, a trend he believes will accelerate.Global companies are also adjusting. Vikram Ahuja, co-founder of ANSR Inc., which helps corporations set up technology centres in India, said applications from H-1B holders based in the US have risen 35 per cent since the latest policy changes. His firm has helped establish 38 global capability centres in India in the past year, Bloomberg reported.<h2>India’s tech ecosystem&nbsp;</h2>India’s expanding startup ecosystem and deep talent pool are proving attractive not just to returning Indians but also to foreign founders. Tony Klor, a graduate of Arizona State University, moved to Bengaluru last year to launch his AI-driven startup, Badchain, which has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding.“There’s a depth of developer talent and an openness to innovation here,” Klor told Bloomberg, adding that India’s potential is increasingly recognised by global entrepreneurs.As the US tightens its immigration policies, India appears to be gaining a strategic advantage. With strong domestic demand, growing AI adoption and increasing global investment, the country is positioning itself as a long-term hub for technology talent that once looked almost exclusively to Silicon Valley.

H-1B visa uncertainty in the US is driving skilled tech workers back to India. Stricter rules, higher costs and delays are reshaping careers, while India’s growing startup ecosystem, AI demand and global investments make it an attractive alternative.

India is emerging as a preferred destination for skilled technology professionals as uncertainty around the US H-1B visa programme forces many to rethink their future. What was once a one-way journey from India to Silicon Valley is now showing signs of reversal, with experienced engineers, founders and executives choosing to return home, according to a Bloomberg report. Stricter immigration rules, rising visa costs and delays under President Donald Trump’s administration have made long-term planning difficult for foreign workers in the US. As a result, India is increasingly benefiting from a flow of global tech talent looking for stability and opportunity. H-1B uncertainty reshapes global tech careers Indian professionals have long dominated the H-1B visa system, accounting for nearly three-quarters of annual approvals. Many of today’s global tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, once relied on the programme early in their careers. However, recent policy changes have altered that equation. Higher application fees, stricter eligibility rules and increased scrutiny have made the US a risky option, especially for young engineers and startup founders. Bloomberg reports that LinkedIn data showed a 40 per cent rise in tech professionals relocating to India in late 2025, pointing to a clear shift in global talent movement. At the same time, multinational firms are expanding their engineering and AI teams directly in India instead of hiring through US visas. Founders and firms follow talent back to India Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, told Bloomberg that his own US career ended suddenly in 2007 after his H-1B visa was denied. At just 23, he returned to India, where he later built one of the country’s earliest e-commerce companies and now supports startups through his venture fund. He said recent visa announcements have triggered renewed interest among founders and professionals seeking alternatives to the US. According to him, visa uncertainty is already pushing skilled workers towards India, a trend he believes will accelerate. Global companies are also adjusting. Vikram Ahuja, co-founder of ANSR Inc., which helps corporations set up technology centres in India, said applications from H-1B holders based in the US have risen 35 per cent since the latest policy changes. His firm has helped establish 38 global capability centres in India in the past year, Bloomberg reported. India’s tech ecosystem India’s expanding startup ecosystem and deep talent pool are proving attractive not just to returning Indians but also to foreign founders. Tony Klor, a graduate of Arizona State University, moved to Bengaluru last year to launch his AI-driven startup, Badchain, which has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. “There’s a depth of developer talent and an openness to innovation here,” Klor told Bloomberg, adding that India’s potential is increasingly recognised by global entrepreneurs. As the US tightens its immigration policies, India appears to be gaining a strategic advantage. With strong domestic demand, growing AI adoption and increasing global investment, the country is positioning itself as a long-term hub for technology talent that once looked almost exclusively to Silicon Valley.

H-1B visa uncertainty in the US is driving skilled tech workers back to India. Stricter rules, higher costs and delays are reshaping careers, while India’s growing startup ecosystem, AI demand and global investments make it an attractive alternative.

Top tech workers are choosing India over the US as H‑1B visa chaos pushes skilled talent home

For more than a century, various The U.S. Administration has looked at buying Greenland on several occasions. However, President Trump has brought the notion back into the spotlight, with renewed vigor during his second term. He had brought up the idea in 2019, during his first term.


Study reveals new H-1B visas can fund Greenland purchase

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders who traveled to India in December for routine visa renewals have found themselves stranded after US consulates unexpectedly canceled their interviews. In some cases, interviews have been rescheduled as far out as October 2026. Immigration lawyers have called it a "huge mess," saying that they have never seen such confusion before, with some unsure whether there was any clear plan behind the changes.&nbsp;According to reports from the Washington Post, many of these workers, primarily from the tech industry, had planned their travel around the US holiday season, a typical time for visa renewals. Now, they are stuck in India with expired visas, unable to return to the US for their jobs or reunite with their families. The State Department informed applicants that the delays were a result of expanded social media screening implemented under the Trump administration. The policy is designed to better vet visa applicants to ensure national security and public safety.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/when-the-desert-turned-white-saudi-arabia-sees-snowfall-for-first-time-in-decades-as-rare-cold-wave-sweeps-the-kingdom-1766408975495">When the desert turned white: Saudi Arabia sees snowfall for first time in decades as rare cold wave sweeps the Kingdom</a>&nbsp;Immigration lawyers handling these cases say that dozens of clients have been affected. Some firms report having over 100 workers stranded. These individuals are mostly experienced professionals in their 30s and 40s, with many of them working in high-demand fields like technology. The disruptions have caused major personal and professional setbacks. Some workers who traveled with their children face difficult choices, including whether to keep them out of school or send them back to the US alone. Others are separated from spouses or are facing unpaid leave while their savings diminish. Veena Vijay Ananth, an experienced immigration lawyer based in India, described the situation as "the biggest mess" she had encountered, adding that there seemed to be no clear plan in place to resolve it.&nbsp;The US State Department responded, saying that visa interviews are now being prioritised to ensure thorough vetting of applicants. This shift in priorities has led to a significant increase in processing times for H-1B visas. India is the largest source of H-1B workers, with the country accounting for 71% of visa holders, according to a 2025 USCIS report. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are among the biggest sponsors of these workers.&nbsp;The visa delays are part of broader changes to the H-1B program implemented during Trump's second term. In July, the US government ended remote visa renewals for H-1B and H4 visa holders, requiring applicants to return to their home countries. Later, an executive order was signed imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications. Social media screening was rolled out in December as part of the vetting process.&nbsp;As a result of these changes, many applicants are now facing delays of several months. Most visa holders had their interviews rescheduled between March and June, with some appointments pushed back to October, and in rare cases, even to 2027. While the US State Department claims the delays are due to operational constraints linked to security concerns, some immigration lawyers suggest that the real motivation may be a growing political opposition to the H-1B program, particularly regarding Indian nationals.&nbsp;

'Biggest mess': Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders stuck in India after interviews cancelled

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders who traveled to India in December for routine visa renewals have found themselves stranded after US consulates unexpectedly canceled their interviews. In some cases, interviews have been rescheduled as far out as October 2026. Immigration lawyers have called it a "huge mess," saying that they have never seen such confusion before, with some unsure whether there was any clear plan behind the changes. According to reports from the Washington Post, many of these workers, primarily from the tech industry, had planned their travel around the US holiday season, a typical time for visa renewals. Now, they are stuck in India with expired visas, unable to return to the US for their jobs or reunite with their families. The State Department informed applicants that the delays were a result of expanded social media screening implemented under the Trump administration. The policy is designed to better vet visa applicants to ensure national security and public safety. Also Read: When the desert turned white: Saudi Arabia sees snowfall for first time in decades as rare cold wave sweeps the Kingdom Immigration lawyers handling these cases say that dozens of clients have been affected. Some firms report having over 100 workers stranded. These individuals are mostly experienced professionals in their 30s and 40s, with many of them working in high-demand fields like technology. The disruptions have caused major personal and professional setbacks. Some workers who traveled with their children face difficult choices, including whether to keep them out of school or send them back to the US alone. Others are separated from spouses or are facing unpaid leave while their savings diminish. Veena Vijay Ananth, an experienced immigration lawyer based in India, described the situation as "the biggest mess" she had encountered, adding that there seemed to be no clear plan in place to resolve it. The US State Department responded, saying that visa interviews are now being prioritised to ensure thorough vetting of applicants. This shift in priorities has led to a significant increase in processing times for H-1B visas. India is the largest source of H-1B workers, with the country accounting for 71% of visa holders, according to a 2025 USCIS report. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are among the biggest sponsors of these workers. The visa delays are part of broader changes to the H-1B program implemented during Trump's second term. In July, the US government ended remote visa renewals for H-1B and H4 visa holders, requiring applicants to return to their home countries. Later, an executive order was signed imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications. Social media screening was rolled out in December as part of the vetting process. As a result of these changes, many applicants are now facing delays of several months. Most visa holders had their interviews rescheduled between March and June, with some appointments pushed back to October, and in rare cases, even to 2027. While the US State Department claims the delays are due to operational constraints linked to security concerns, some immigration lawyers suggest that the real motivation may be a growing political opposition to the H-1B program, particularly regarding Indian nationals.

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders face cancellations and delays in US consulate interviews, leaving many stranded in India. Professional and personal lives are also affected

No international candidates.
That's a line many foreign graduates keep running into during their job search in the US
Recent foreign graduates find that most companies won't even give them a chance to interview once they find out their need for a work visa.
President Trump's new 100,000 dollar h1b visa fee is making recruiters wary.

H-1b visa hopefuls being shut out of jobs

H-1B Visa Fee Hike: The United States of America was once the ultimate destination for aspiring engineers, scientists and tech dreamers from India. But now the American dream seems to be cracking under the weight of policy shifts. President Donald Trump's latest visa crackdown has triggered anxiety among thousands of Indian students. Who now face rising costs. Shrinking opportunities and an uncertain future in the U.S.

H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Trump’s Visa Rules Shake Indian Students

H-1B Visa: The Trump administration unveiled proposed changes to the H-1B visa program, aiming to prioritize higher-paid, highly skilled applicants and phase out the current lottery system. 


H-1B Visa: After $100K Fee Hike, H-1B Applications Face New Scrutiny

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa policy allowing US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in 'speciality occupations'. A speciality occupation is defined as a position that requires a bachelor's degree or is specified in the field, such as engineering, technology, medicine, or business. There are 65,000 H1B visas allocated per year, plus 20,000 additional visas for those with advanced US degrees (US master's and up).<h3>What is the history of the H-1B Visa?</h3>The H-1B visa program began with the Immigration Act of 1990 (IMMACT90), which formalised the process for highly skilled foreign workers in "speciality occupations" to enter the US. The program allows businesses to temporarily hire workers in fields requiring specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree.&nbsp;The policy was signed by then-President George H. W. Bush on November 20, 1990. During this time, the H-1 visa was split into the H-1A visa for nurses, and the H-1B visa for workers in speciality occupations.&nbsp;Over the years, the program's annual cap has been adjusted and has created an additional 20,000 visas for individuals with advanced U.S. degrees, which has become a critical pathway for several immigrants coming from multiple nations, especially from India, to work in US tech and other specialised fields.<h3>What are the eligibility and rules for the H-1B Visa?</h3>To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a job offer for a "speciality occupation" from a US employer, possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of the speciality, and the employer must agree to pay the prevailing wage for the job.&nbsp;The employer files a Labour Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labour, attesting to wages and working conditions, and then petitions the USCIS on your behalf. The job must require specialised knowledge and a degree or equivalent experience, and you must meet the required qualifications for the position.<h3>What is the H-1B Visa application process?</h3>Step 1: Employer registers for the lottery&nbsp;Create USCIS account: The sponsoring employer or their attorney must create an organisational account with USCIS.&nbsp;Submit registration: For a limited period, typically in March, the employer submits an electronic registration for each prospective employee (beneficiary). The registration requires basic information about both the employer and the beneficiary, including the beneficiary's passport details.Pay the registration fee: A non-refundable fee of $215 per beneficiary must be paid during the registration period.&nbsp;Step 2: USCIS conducts the lottery&nbsp;Random selection: If the number of registrations exceeds the annual H-1B cap, USCIS conducts a random, computer-generated lottery. The selection is "beneficiary-centric," meaning each prospective employee has an equal chance of being selected, regardless of how many registrations are submitted on their behalf.&nbsp;Receive results: By the end of March, USCIS notifies employers of the lottery results through their online accounts. Only those with a "Selected" status can proceed with the full petition.&nbsp;Step 3: Employer files Labour Condition Application (LCA)&nbsp;Obtain certification: If selected, the employer submits a Labour Condition Application (LCA), Form ETA-9035, to the Department of Labour (DOL).Meet wage and working conditions: The LCA requires the employer to attest that they will pay the H-1B worker at least the prevailing wage for the occupation in the intended area of employment and that the employment will not adversely affect U.S. workers.Post the LCA: The employer must post the certified LCA at the worksite for a period of 10 business days.Wait for approval: The DOL typically certifies the LCA within 7–10 days.&nbsp;Step 4: Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS&nbsp;Assemble the petition: Within a specific filing window (usually 90 days after selection), the employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. The packet must include the certified LCA and other required supporting documentation, such as the job offer letter and the employee's educational credentials.&nbsp;Choose processing type:&nbsp;Regular processing: Takes several months, often 4 to 8 months or more.Premium processing: For an additional fee, USCIS guarantees a response within 15 business days. This option can also be used to expedite a petition already in progress.&nbsp;Step 5: USCIS adjudication&nbsp;Review and request evidence: USCIS reviews the complete petition. The agency may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if it needs more information to make a decision.Approve or deny: If the petition is approved, USCIS sends an I-797 Approval Notice. If denied, the process ends.&nbsp;Step 6: Employee attends visa interview (for applicants abroad)&nbsp;Complete DS-160: Foreign workers outside the U.S. complete the online visa application, Form DS-160, and pay the visa fee.Schedule appointment: They schedule and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.Receive visa stamp: A consular officer reviews the application and, upon approval, places an H-1B visa stamp in the applicant's passport.&nbsp;Step 7: Employee enters the U.S. and begins work&nbsp;Travel and admission: With the approved visa, the employee can travel to the U.S. no more than 10 days before the employment start date.Work authorisation: The employee can begin working for the sponsoring employer on the approved start date, which is usually October 1 of the new fiscal year.<h3>What are the H-1B visa fees?</h3>Before the recent change, the overall H-1B cost for employers was complex and typically ranged from $2,000 to over $8,000 per worker, depending on factors such as the employer's size, processing time, and visa type. The core fees included:&nbsp;H-1B Registration Fee: $215.&nbsp;Base Form I-129 Petition Fee: $460, increasing to $780 starting April 1, 2024.&nbsp;Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500. This fee was not required for extensions.&nbsp;American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Fee: $750 for employers with 1 to 25 full-time equivalent employees, and $1,500 for those with 26 or more employees.&nbsp;Public Law 114-113 Fee: An additional $4,000 for certain companies that employ 50 or more employees, with over 50% on H-1B or L-1 status.&nbsp;Premium Processing (Optional): For an additional $2,805, employers could request 15-day expedited processing.<h3>Latest News for Indian Applicants</h3>In a recent development, Donald Trump’s decided to impose a $100,000 (£74,096) fee on H1-B visas for skilled foreign workers, which will be applied annually. However, later, the White House clarified on Saturday that the new H-1B visa policy will impose a $100,000 fee will be a "one-time" payment imposed only on new applicants, according to a report in AFP.

The H-1B visa policy was signed by then-President George H. W. Bush on November 20, 1990. Following this, the H-1 visa was split into the H-1A visa for nurses, and the H-1B visa for workers in speciality occupations.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa policy allowing US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in 'speciality occupations'. A speciality occupation is defined as a position that requires a bachelor's degree or is specified in the field, such as engineering, technology, medicine, or business. There are 65,000 H1B visas allocated per year, plus 20,000 additional visas for those with advanced US degrees (US master's and up). What is the history of the H-1B Visa? The H-1B visa program began with the Immigration Act of 1990 (IMMACT90), which formalised the process for highly skilled foreign workers in "speciality occupations" to enter the US. The program allows businesses to temporarily hire workers in fields requiring specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree. The policy was signed by then-President George H. W. Bush on November 20, 1990. During this time, the H-1 visa was split into the H-1A visa for nurses, and the H-1B visa for workers in speciality occupations. Over the years, the program's annual cap has been adjusted and has created an additional 20,000 visas for individuals with advanced U.S. degrees, which has become a critical pathway for several immigrants coming from multiple nations, especially from India, to work in US tech and other specialised fields. What are the eligibility and rules for the H-1B Visa? To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a job offer for a "speciality occupation" from a US employer, possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of the speciality, and the employer must agree to pay the prevailing wage for the job. The employer files a Labour Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labour, attesting to wages and working conditions, and then petitions the USCIS on your behalf. The job must require specialised knowledge and a degree or equivalent experience, and you must meet the required qualifications for the position. What is the H-1B Visa application process? Step 1: Employer registers for the lottery Create USCIS account: The sponsoring employer or their attorney must create an organisational account with USCIS. Submit registration: For a limited period, typically in March, the employer submits an electronic registration for each prospective employee (beneficiary). The registration requires basic information about both the employer and the beneficiary, including the beneficiary's passport details. Pay the registration fee: A non-refundable fee of $215 per beneficiary must be paid during the registration period. Step 2: USCIS conducts the lottery Random selection: If the number of registrations exceeds the annual H-1B cap, USCIS conducts a random, computer-generated lottery. The selection is "beneficiary-centric," meaning each prospective employee has an equal chance of being selected, regardless of how many registrations are submitted on their behalf. Receive results: By the end of March, USCIS notifies employers of the lottery results through their online accounts. Only those with a "Selected" status can proceed with the full petition. Step 3: Employer files Labour Condition Application (LCA) Obtain certification: If selected, the employer submits a Labour Condition Application (LCA), Form ETA-9035, to the Department of Labour (DOL). Meet wage and working conditions: The LCA requires the employer to attest that they will pay the H-1B worker at least the prevailing wage for the occupation in the intended area of employment and that the employment will not adversely affect U.S. workers. Post the LCA: The employer must post the certified LCA at the worksite for a period of 10 business days. Wait for approval: The DOL typically certifies the LCA within 7–10 days. Step 4: Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS Assemble the petition: Within a specific filing window (usually 90 days after selection), the employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. The packet must include the certified LCA and other required supporting documentation, such as the job offer letter and the employee's educational credentials. Choose processing type: Regular processing: Takes several months, often 4 to 8 months or more. Premium processing: For an additional fee, USCIS guarantees a response within 15 business days. This option can also be used to expedite a petition already in progress. Step 5: USCIS adjudication Review and request evidence: USCIS reviews the complete petition. The agency may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if it needs more information to make a decision. Approve or deny: If the petition is approved, USCIS sends an I-797 Approval Notice. If denied, the process ends. Step 6: Employee attends visa interview (for applicants abroad) Complete DS-160: Foreign workers outside the U.S. complete the online visa application, Form DS-160, and pay the visa fee. Schedule appointment: They schedule and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Receive visa stamp: A consular officer reviews the application and, upon approval, places an H-1B visa stamp in the applicant's passport. Step 7: Employee enters the U.S. and begins work Travel and admission: With the approved visa, the employee can travel to the U.S. no more than 10 days before the employment start date. Work authorisation: The employee can begin working for the sponsoring employer on the approved start date, which is usually October 1 of the new fiscal year. What are the H-1B visa fees? Before the recent change, the overall H-1B cost for employers was complex and typically ranged from $2,000 to over $8,000 per worker, depending on factors such as the employer's size, processing time, and visa type. The core fees included: H-1B Registration Fee: $215. Base Form I-129 Petition Fee: $460, increasing to $780 starting April 1, 2024. Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500. This fee was not required for extensions. American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Fee: $750 for employers with 1 to 25 full-time equivalent employees, and $1,500 for those with 26 or more employees. Public Law 114-113 Fee: An additional $4,000 for certain companies that employ 50 or more employees, with over 50% on H-1B or L-1 status. Premium Processing (Optional): For an additional $2,805, employers could request 15-day expedited processing. Latest News for Indian Applicants In a recent development, Donald Trump’s decided to impose a $100,000 (£74,096) fee on H1-B visas for skilled foreign workers, which will be applied annually. However, later, the White House clarified on Saturday that the new H-1B visa policy will impose a $100,000 fee will be a "one-time" payment imposed only on new applicants, according to a report in AFP.

The H-1B visa policy was signed by then-President George H. W. Bush on November 20, 1990. Following this, the H-1 visa was split into the H-1A visa for nurses, and the H-1B visa for workers in speciality occupations.

What is H-1B Visa? Know history, rules, and latest news for Indian applicants

Esther Crawford, the former director of product management at Twitter (now X), has strongly criticised the new $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas under US President Donald Trump. The fee particularly impacts technology workers from India and China who help sustain the US technology industry. In a post on X, Crawford highlighted the crucial role of immigrant engineers from India and China in keeping the platform operational during its transition under Elon Musk's acquisition. She pointed out that these workers, mostly on H-1B visas, worked long hours to solve complex technical issues, making significant contributions alongside their American colleagues.<h2>See the post below</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Twitter/X survived because of H-1B engineers, mostly from India &amp; China. They stayed after the acquisition, worked long hours and solved brutally complex problems alongside American colleagues. When posting anti-immigrant takes, remember: they’re the reason you can tweet at all.&mdash; Esther Crawford ✨ (@esthercrawford) <a href="https://twitter.com/esthercrawford/status/1969833079725559944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

She urged people to reconsider their anti-immigrant rhetoric, saying, “When posting anti-immigrant takes, remember: they’re the reason you can tweet at all.” Currently, Indians represent over 70% of the approximately 400,000 H-1B visa holders in the US, with Chinese workers following at around 12%.&nbsp;While Musk has remained silent on the matter, his past statements suggest a more nuanced view. Musk has expressed support for the H-1B visa program, but also suggested that it needs to be more expensive to eliminate abuses, a stance that aligns with Trump’s argument that the system has been exploited and should prioritise “truly high-skilled” workers.&nbsp;The $100,000 one-time fee could severely undermine the H-1B visa program. Given that the median salary for H-1B holders is often below that threshold, many companies may opt not to spend such a large sum on foreign workers. This could lead to jobs being shifted overseas, especially with the introduction of the HIRE Act, which would impose heavy taxes on payments to foreign companies for outsourced work. In the long term, these changes could shift the landscape of US tech work, making it more expensive to hire foreign talent or pushing companies to look elsewhere for labour solutions.

Esther Crawford, former Twitter executive, criticised Trump's $100K H-1B visa fee, emphasising the role of immigrant engineers in technology sector

Esther Crawford, the former director of product management at Twitter (now X), has strongly criticised the new $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas under US President Donald Trump. The fee particularly impacts technology workers from India and China who help sustain the US technology industry. In a post on X, Crawford highlighted the crucial role of immigrant engineers from India and China in keeping the platform operational during its transition under Elon Musk's acquisition. She pointed out that these workers, mostly on H-1B visas, worked long hours to solve complex technical issues, making significant contributions alongside their American colleagues. See the post below

Esther Crawford, former Twitter executive, criticised Trump's $100K H-1B visa fee, emphasising the role of immigrant engineers in technology sector

'They are the reason you can tweet at all': Former Twitter executive slams H-1B visa fee, defends immigrant workers

In this context, the careers of leaders such as Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella and many other tech leaders highlight how H-1B holders have shaped US technology, driving innovation, building global companies, and sustaining America’s competitive edge.

In this context, the careers of leaders such as Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella and many other tech leaders highlight how H-1B holders have shaped US technology, driving innovation, building global companies, and sustaining America’s competitive edge.

Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella: How H-1B visa holders shaped the US tech revolution

President Donald Trump’s latest move on immigration has set off alarm bells in the global tech community, particularly in India, which supplies the majority of H-1B visa holders in the United States. On September 19, 2025 Trump signed a proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions filed from outside the United States, a dramatic change in how future applications will be handled.At first, the announcement generated panic. Would current H-1B holders be locked out of the US? Would renewals suddenly cost six figures? The White House has since clarified key details, which WION now lays out in full.<h2>The rule</h2>The proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Alien Nonimmigrant Workers,” states that petitions for H-1B workers outside the U.S. must include a $100,000 payment or risk denial.The rule takes effect at 12:01 am EDT on September 21, 2025.<h2>White House response</h2>Taylor Rogers, White House spokeswoman, tells WION: “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages. It also gives certainty to American businesses who actually want to bring high-skilled workers to our great country but have been trampled on by abuses of the system.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also posted a clarification on X, writing that: “This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.” “Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.” “H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country as they normally would. Whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted.” “This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders. It will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/can-trump-s-1m-gold-card-buy-you-us-citizenship-here-s-the-truth-1758358378289">Can Trump’s $1M ‘Gold Card’ buy you US citizenship? Here’s the truth</a><h2>Who is affected and who is not?</h2><ul><li>New Applicants: Anyone entering the next H-1B lottery cycle will face the $100,000 petition fee.</li><li>Current Visa Holders: If you already have an H-1B, whether in the US or abroad, you are exempt. Re-entry rules remain unchanged.</li><li>Renewals and Extensions: Not affected. Employers can renew status for existing workers without paying the new fee.</li><li>2025 Lottery Winners: Explicitly exempt. Those who already secured visas this year will not face retroactive costs.</li></ul><h2>Why the change?</h2>The Trump administration argues that the H-1B system has been abused by large outsourcing firms that flood the lottery with applications, then hire workers at lower wages. By raising the cost of entry, the White House hopes to:<ul><li>Deter mass filings by firms that overwhelm the system.</li><li>Level the playing field for smaller US companies seeking specialised talent.</li><li>Boost wages for both American and foreign workers by curbing low-cost hiring.</li></ul>Supporters see this as a way to protect the integrity of the program. Critics warn it could reduce the supply of skilled workers, slow innovation, and make U.S. firms less competitive globally.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621">Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</a><h2>Why was there confusion?</h2>The proclamation’s wording referred broadly to “aliens outside the United States.” It was not clear whether this included people who already held valid visas but were travelling abroad. Immigration lawyers urged caution, with some advising clients not to leave the US until more guidance was issued. The White House has now confirmed that existing visa holders are not affected. The fee applies only to future petitions, not to renewals, extensions, or re-entries.<h2>Impact on Indian H-1B Applicants &amp; Holders</h2>India accounts for nearly 70 per cent of H-1B approvals. That makes this policy especially significant for IT companies and professionals who depend on the visa pathway. Large outsourcing firms may feel the steepest impact, as mass filings become cost-prohibitive. Also, individual applicants may face fewer opportunities if firms cut back sponsorships. Meanwhile, US employers seeking niche skills may benefit from less crowded lotteries, improving their odds of securing talent.<h2>Legal questions</h2>Immigration experts are already debating whether the president has the authority to impose such a fee without congressional approval. Normally, visa fees are set by law or regulation, not presidential proclamation. Lawsuits could argue that the move violates the Administrative Procedure Act. Courts may examine whether the fee is effectively a tax that only Congress can authorise. However, until challenged in court, the rule remains in force.<h2>The political context</h2>For Trump, this is both policy and politics. He can argue that he is protecting American workers from foreign competition, delivering on a campaign promise to reform the H-1B system, and demonstrating toughness on immigration in the run-up to new domestic and international negotiations.For critics, it may be another example of executive overreach that could undermine America’s leadership in technology and innovation.<h2>What comes next</h2><ul><li>USCIS Guidance: Agencies are expected to release instructions on how the $100,000 payment must be submitted.</li><li>Upcoming Lottery Cycle: The first real test will be the FY2027 filings in early 2026.</li><li>Business Decisions: US and Indian firms will need to decide whether to absorb the new cost or change their hiring strategies.</li><li>Court Battles: Legal challenges could delay or overturn the policy.</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2>The $100,000 fee marks one of the most sweeping changes to the H-1B program in decades. By targeting new applications, the Trump administration is signalling that the era of mass low-cost filings is over. For American companies, the question is whether the higher price tag will still allow them access to the skills they need.

 Would current H-1B holders be locked out of the US? Would renewals suddenly cost six figures? The White House has since clarified key details, which WION now lays out in full.

President Donald Trump’s latest move on immigration has set off alarm bells in the global tech community, particularly in India, which supplies the majority of H-1B visa holders in the United States. On September 19, 2025 Trump signed a proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions filed from outside the United States, a dramatic change in how future applications will be handled. At first, the announcement generated panic. Would current H-1B holders be locked out of the US? Would renewals suddenly cost six figures? The White House has since clarified key details, which WION now lays out in full. The rule The proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Alien Nonimmigrant Workers,” states that petitions for H-1B workers outside the U.S. must include a $100,000 payment or risk denial. The rule takes effect at 12:01 am EDT on September 21, 2025. White House response Taylor Rogers, White House spokeswoman, tells WION: “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages. It also gives certainty to American businesses who actually want to bring high-skilled workers to our great country but have been trampled on by abuses of the system.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also posted a clarification on X, writing that: “This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.” “Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.” “H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country as they normally would. Whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted.” “This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders. It will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle. Also read | Can Trump’s $1M ‘Gold Card’ buy you US citizenship? Here’s the truth Who is affected and who is not? New Applicants: Anyone entering the next H-1B lottery cycle will face the $100,000 petition fee. Current Visa Holders: If you already have an H-1B, whether in the US or abroad, you are exempt. Re-entry rules remain unchanged. Renewals and Extensions: Not affected. Employers can renew status for existing workers without paying the new fee. 2025 Lottery Winners: Explicitly exempt. Those who already secured visas this year will not face retroactive costs. Why the change? The Trump administration argues that the H-1B system has been abused by large outsourcing firms that flood the lottery with applications, then hire workers at lower wages. By raising the cost of entry, the White House hopes to: Deter mass filings by firms that overwhelm the system. Level the playing field for smaller US companies seeking specialised talent. Boost wages for both American and foreign workers by curbing low-cost hiring. Supporters see this as a way to protect the integrity of the program. Critics warn it could reduce the supply of skilled workers, slow innovation, and make U.S. firms less competitive globally. Also read | Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how Why was there confusion? The proclamation’s wording referred broadly to “aliens outside the United States.” It was not clear whether this included people who already held valid visas but were travelling abroad. Immigration lawyers urged caution, with some advising clients not to leave the US until more guidance was issued. The White House has now confirmed that existing visa holders are not affected. The fee applies only to future petitions, not to renewals, extensions, or re-entries. Impact on Indian H-1B Applicants & Holders India accounts for nearly 70 per cent of H-1B approvals. That makes this policy especially significant for IT companies and professionals who depend on the visa pathway. Large outsourcing firms may feel the steepest impact, as mass filings become cost-prohibitive. Also, individual applicants may face fewer opportunities if firms cut back sponsorships. Meanwhile, US employers seeking niche skills may benefit from less crowded lotteries, improving their odds of securing talent. Legal questions Immigration experts are already debating whether the president has the authority to impose such a fee without congressional approval. Normally, visa fees are set by law or regulation, not presidential proclamation. Lawsuits could argue that the move violates the Administrative Procedure Act. Courts may examine whether the fee is effectively a tax that only Congress can authorise. However, until challenged in court, the rule remains in force. The political context For Trump, this is both policy and politics. He can argue that he is protecting American workers from foreign competition, delivering on a campaign promise to reform the H-1B system, and demonstrating toughness on immigration in the run-up to new domestic and international negotiations. For critics, it may be another example of executive overreach that could undermine America’s leadership in technology and innovation. What comes next USCIS Guidance: Agencies are expected to release instructions on how the $100,000 payment must be submitted. Upcoming Lottery Cycle: The first real test will be the FY2027 filings in early 2026. Business Decisions: US and Indian firms will need to decide whether to absorb the new cost or change their hiring strategies. Court Battles: Legal challenges could delay or overturn the policy. Conclusion The $100,000 fee marks one of the most sweeping changes to the H-1B program in decades. By targeting new applications, the Trump administration is signalling that the era of mass low-cost filings is over. For American companies, the question is whether the higher price tag will still allow them access to the skills they need.

&nbsp;Would current H-1B holders be locked out of the US? Would renewals suddenly cost six figures? The White House has since clarified key details, which WION now lays out in full.

Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1 B visa fee: What it means and what it doesn’t

Top tech firms like Meta and Microsoft on Saturday (Sep 20) have issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders, asking them not to leave the United States (US) for at least 14 days. This came after President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and tightened rules for foreign workers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Internal emails accessed by NDTV Profit revealed that companies have also told their employees who are currently outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid being denied re-entry to the country. Both tech firms said that the instructions should be followed until further notice.&nbsp;Meta has asked its H-1B and H4 visa holders in the US to stay in the country for at least two weeks until the new rules are clearer. Those abroad were advised to return immediately. Microsoft have also urged its H-1B employees in the US not to travel and told those overseas to make every effort to come back quickly.&nbsp;Also Read - ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-one-day-deadline-creates-what-indian-trade-body-nasscom-said-on-trump-s-100-000-fee-order-or-h-1b-visa-1758374106801">A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa</a>&nbsp;The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields, often in the tech industry. These visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Many Indian software engineers, IT managers, and other skilled workers use this to work in the US.&nbsp;On Friday (Sep 19), Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a sharp increase from $215. This move will heavily affect Indian workers working in the US. He said that the move was aimed at encouraging companies to hire more Americans while keeping room for “extraordinary talent” from abroad. Fees for investor visas also went up sharply, from $10,000 to as high as $20,000 annually.&nbsp;At the same time, the administration announced a new visa scheme, offering the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card for individuals and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. India remains the biggest user of H-1B visas, accounting for 71 per cent of approvals last year, while China was second at 11.7 per cent.<h2>What is the H-1B visa?</h2>The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign workers in specialised jobs, such as in technology, finance, research and defence projects. &nbsp;

Tech entrepreneurs in the US have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector.

Top tech firms like Meta and Microsoft on Saturday (Sep 20) have issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders, asking them not to leave the United States (US) for at least 14 days. This came after President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and tightened rules for foreign workers. Internal emails accessed by NDTV Profit revealed that companies have also told their employees who are currently outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid being denied re-entry to the country. Both tech firms said that the instructions should be followed until further notice. Meta has asked its H-1B and H4 visa holders in the US to stay in the country for at least two weeks until the new rules are clearer. Those abroad were advised to return immediately. Microsoft have also urged its H-1B employees in the US not to travel and told those overseas to make every effort to come back quickly. Also Read - ‘A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields, often in the tech industry. These visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Many Indian software engineers, IT managers, and other skilled workers use this to work in the US. On Friday (Sep 19), Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a sharp increase from $215. This move will heavily affect Indian workers working in the US. He said that the move was aimed at encouraging companies to hire more Americans while keeping room for “extraordinary talent” from abroad. Fees for investor visas also went up sharply, from $10,000 to as high as $20,000 annually. At the same time, the administration announced a new visa scheme, offering the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card for individuals and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. India remains the biggest user of H-1B visas, accounting for 71 per cent of approvals last year, while China was second at 11.7 per cent. What is the H-1B visa? The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign workers in specialised jobs, such as in technology, finance, research and defence projects.

Tech entrepreneurs in the US have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector.

Return within 24 hours to avoid...: US tech firms warn H-1B visa holders after Trump's new visa order

Donald Trump's close ally, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10 in Utah, said just days before he was killed that America does not need more visas for Indians. His controversial remark has surfaced on social media in which he said America was “full" and it was time to put “our own people first".&nbsp;This came after the US President announced major changes to the H1B visa programme on Friday. America has announced $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, which will come into effect from September 21, 2025. The remarks of the 31-year-old have been termed "xenophobic" by critics.&nbsp;Via multiple posts and podcasts, Kirk had shown he had a controversial take on immigration from India, which is mostly that of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech sector. &nbsp; “America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first," Kirk wrote on X on September 2.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first. <a href="https://t.co/wcOsorvZFE">https://t.co/wcOsorvZFE</a>&mdash; Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11/status/1962662508684324966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-elect-a-rapist-expect-to-get-fu-ed-britons-troll-trump-as-windsor-castle-lights-up-with-epstein-images-1758075915188">'Elect a rapist, expect to get fu**ed': Britons troll 'dick-tator' Trump, light up Windsor Castle with Epstein images</a> The post was in response of to Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who had argued that any US trade deal with India would likely require offering more visas. “I’d rather not pay them in visas and trade deficits," Ingraham had posted, to which Kirk offered his absolute agreement. &nbsp;Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas&nbsp;US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The H-1B program allows American companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers, many of them from countries like India. Now, every visa application will cost employers $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers," said Trump as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office on Friday.&nbsp;

Via multiple posts and podcasts, Kirk had shown he had a controversial take on immigration from India, which is mostly that of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech sector.  

Donald Trump's close ally, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10 in Utah, said just days before he was killed that America does not need more visas for Indians. His controversial remark has surfaced on social media in which he said America was “full" and it was time to put “our own people first". This came after the US President announced major changes to the H1B visa programme on Friday. America has announced $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, which will come into effect from September 21, 2025. The remarks of the 31-year-old have been termed "xenophobic" by critics. Via multiple posts and podcasts, Kirk had shown he had a controversial take on immigration from India, which is mostly that of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech sector. “America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first," Kirk wrote on X on September 2.

Via multiple posts and podcasts, Kirk had shown he had a controversial take on immigration from India, which is mostly that of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech sector. &nbsp;

‘Enough already. We’re full’: Charlie Kirk’s ‘we don’t need Indians’ remark resurfaces amid H-1B visa chaos

Tech giant Amazon has instructed its H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees to stay in the United States in light of recent immigration policy changes. According to a note accessed by Reuters, the company said, “If you're in the US on an H-1B visa, please remain here for now.” The advisory also emphasised that visa holders should return to the US before midnight on September 21 to avoid potential complications. This guidance follows similar advisories from other major corporations like Microsoft and JP Morgan, after US President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation.&nbsp;&nbsp;This policy, set to be implemented on September 21, imposes a $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa application. The rule will remain in effect for a year, with the possibility of extension. Microsoft has echoed Amazon’s message, urging H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the US before the deadline. In a note, the company said, “We strongly recommend that visa holders return before tomorrow to avoid disruption.” Likewise, JPMorgan’s immigration counsel advised its employees on H-1B visas to stay in the country and refrain from international travel until further updates.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621">Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</a>&nbsp;Since taking office, President Trump has initiated a comprehensive immigration reform, including measures that target even legal immigration. A key focus of the reform is the H-1B visa program, which enables US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields like technology. The new rule, which requires companies to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B worker, is expected to create challenges, particularly for the tech industry, which relies on skilled workers from countries like India and China.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-us-media-calls-negative-coverage-illegal-after-jimmy-kimmel-show-suspension-stirs-free-speech-debate-1758343869435">Trump slams US media, calls negative coverage 'illegal' after Jimmy Kimmel show suspension stirs free speech debate</a>&nbsp;India, which received the most H-1B visa approvals last year, accounted for 71% of the total, while China was second with 11.7%. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick voiced support for the changes, saying that the goal is to prioritise training US graduates over foreign workers. According to Lutnick, companies will be required to pay the $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa over its three-year term, though specifics of the policy are still under discussion. Currently, H-1B applicants pay only a small fee to participate in the visa lottery. If selected, additional charges are much lower than the new proposed fee, making the new rule a significant shift in US immigration policy.

Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders to stay in the US due to new immigration rules imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications

Tech giant Amazon has instructed its H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees to stay in the United States in light of recent immigration policy changes. According to a note accessed by Reuters, the company said, “If you're in the US on an H-1B visa, please remain here for now.” The advisory also emphasised that visa holders should return to the US before midnight on September 21 to avoid potential complications. This guidance follows similar advisories from other major corporations like Microsoft and JP Morgan, after US President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation. This policy, set to be implemented on September 21, imposes a $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa application. The rule will remain in effect for a year, with the possibility of extension. Microsoft has echoed Amazon’s message, urging H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the US before the deadline. In a note, the company said, “We strongly recommend that visa holders return before tomorrow to avoid disruption.” Likewise, JPMorgan’s immigration counsel advised its employees on H-1B visas to stay in the country and refrain from international travel until further updates. Also Read: Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how Since taking office, President Trump has initiated a comprehensive immigration reform, including measures that target even legal immigration. A key focus of the reform is the H-1B visa program, which enables US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields like technology. The new rule, which requires companies to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B worker, is expected to create challenges, particularly for the tech industry, which relies on skilled workers from countries like India and China. Also Read: Trump slams US media, calls negative coverage 'illegal' after Jimmy Kimmel show suspension stirs free speech debate India, which received the most H-1B visa approvals last year, accounted for 71% of the total, while China was second with 11.7%. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick voiced support for the changes, saying that the goal is to prioritise training US graduates over foreign workers. According to Lutnick, companies will be required to pay the $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa over its three-year term, though specifics of the policy are still under discussion. Currently, H-1B applicants pay only a small fee to participate in the visa lottery. If selected, additional charges are much lower than the new proposed fee, making the new rule a significant shift in US immigration policy.

Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders to stay in the US due to new immigration rules imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications

'Stay in the country for now': Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders amid $100K fee rule and new US immigration policies

Tesla is facing a lawsuit in the United States over claims that it gives preference to foreign visa holders when making hiring decisions, while pushing out US citizens. The case, filed in San Francisco federal court, argues that the electric car company has a “systematic preference” for visa workers because it can pay them less.<h2>Who brought the lawsuit?</h2>The proposed class action was filed by software engineer Scott Taub and human resources specialist Sofia Brander. Both say Tesla rejected them for jobs once it became clear they were US citizens who did not need visa sponsorship. Taub claims he was discouraged from applying for one role after being told it was for “H1B only,” and was not invited to interview for another. Brander says Tesla refused to interview her for two jobs, even though she had already worked for the company twice as a contractor.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-s-xai-fires-500-workers-training-grok-ai-says-generalist-tutors-no-longer-needed-1757827725183">Elon Musk’s xAI fires 500 workers training Grok AI, says generalist tutors no longer needed</a><h2>How many visa workers does Tesla hire?</h2>The complaint points to Tesla’s reliance on H-1B visas for skilled employees. In 2024 alone, the company reportedly hired around 1,355 visa holders while laying off more than 6,000 domestic workers, “the vast majority” believed to be US citizens. “While visa workers make up just a fraction of the United States labour market, Tesla prefers to hire these candidates over US citizens, as it can pay visa-dependent employees less than American employees performing the same work, a practice in the industry known as ‘wage theft,’” the complaint said.<h2>What has Elon Musk said?</h2>The filing also cited a post by Elon Musk on X dated December 27, 2024. Musk, who was born in South Africa and once held an H-1B visa himself, wrote, “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.”<h2>What happens next?</h2>It is unclear how the plaintiffs plan to prove their allegations of systematic bias in Tesla’s hiring and firing. The lawsuit seeks damages for US citizens who were either rejected for jobs at Tesla or fired after being employed by the company.

Tesla faces a San Francisco lawsuit accusing it of favouring H-1B visa workers over US citizens, allegedly engaging in wage theft by paying visa holders less while sidelining American applicants.

Tesla is facing a lawsuit in the United States over claims that it gives preference to foreign visa holders when making hiring decisions, while pushing out US citizens. The case, filed in San Francisco federal court, argues that the electric car company has a “systematic preference” for visa workers because it can pay them less. Who brought the lawsuit? The proposed class action was filed by software engineer Scott Taub and human resources specialist Sofia Brander. Both say Tesla rejected them for jobs once it became clear they were US citizens who did not need visa sponsorship. Taub claims he was discouraged from applying for one role after being told it was for “H1B only,” and was not invited to interview for another. Brander says Tesla refused to interview her for two jobs, even though she had already worked for the company twice as a contractor. Also read: Elon Musk’s xAI fires 500 workers training Grok AI, says generalist tutors no longer needed How many visa workers does Tesla hire? The complaint points to Tesla’s reliance on H-1B visas for skilled employees. In 2024 alone, the company reportedly hired around 1,355 visa holders while laying off more than 6,000 domestic workers, “the vast majority” believed to be US citizens. “While visa workers make up just a fraction of the United States labour market, Tesla prefers to hire these candidates over US citizens, as it can pay visa-dependent employees less than American employees performing the same work, a practice in the industry known as ‘wage theft,’” the complaint said. What has Elon Musk said? The filing also cited a post by Elon Musk on X dated December 27, 2024. Musk, who was born in South Africa and once held an H-1B visa himself, wrote, “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.” What happens next? It is unclear how the plaintiffs plan to prove their allegations of systematic bias in Tesla’s hiring and firing. The lawsuit seeks damages for US citizens who were either rejected for jobs at Tesla or fired after being employed by the company.

Tesla faces a San Francisco lawsuit accusing it of favouring H-1B visa workers over US citizens, allegedly engaging in wage theft by paying visa holders less while sidelining American applicants.

Elon Musk accused of wage theft? Tesla sued for allegedly preferring H-1B visa workers over Americans

India-origin entrepreneur and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy recently faced severe racist backlash after he posted pictures with his wife on social media, celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. This comes amid the growing tensions around the H-1B visa program in the US.&nbsp;“In the fall of 2011, I met a brilliant medical student named Apoorva &amp; asked her out on a first date - to head west for a weekend &amp; hike Flattop Mountain in the Rockies. She accepted. We got within striking distance of the summit when a blizzard hit. I was foolishly stubborn about still making it, when she grabbed my hand, looked me in the eye, &amp; said we had a lifetime ahead to come back and finish it. 14 years &amp; two kids later, we finally made it back to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary this weekend. Grateful for the love of my life &amp; every day of our journey together,” the former DOGE member wrote on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In the fall of 2011, I met a brilliant medical student named Apoorva &amp; asked her out on a first date - to head west for a weekend &amp; hike Flattop Mountain in the Rockies. She accepted. We got within striking distance of the summit when a blizzard hit. I was foolishly stubborn… <a href="https://t.co/pdV1joMUeg">pic.twitter.com/pdV1joMUeg</a>&mdash; Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/1927127559000535181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Social media backlash</h2>&nbsp;The post quickly went viral and was flooded with racist comments as several social media users told the couple to “go back to India” while some said he “should be deported”.&nbsp;“Don't you have mountains in your home country?” a user wrote.&nbsp;A third said, “We would rather you go back to India and explore the hiking trails there.”&nbsp;“I don’t believe a word of this is true,” another person wrote.&nbsp;<h2>Outrage against immigration</h2>&nbsp;In recent weeks, there has been increasing outrage around immigration and foreign workers. Walmart CTO Suresh Kumar has also faced racist attacks online.&nbsp;Despite his criticism of the H-1B visa programme, which allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in the United States, Ramaswamy has faced backlash due to his Indian identity.&nbsp;According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, 70 per cent of H-1B recipients in 2023 were Indian nationals. Critics have argued that the program undercuts American jobs. &nbsp;

The post quickly went viral and was flooded with racist comments as several social media users told the couple to “go back to India” while some said he “should be deported”.

India-origin entrepreneur and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy recently faced severe racist backlash after he posted pictures with his wife on social media, celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. This comes amid the growing tensions around the H-1B visa program in the US. “In the fall of 2011, I met a brilliant medical student named Apoorva & asked her out on a first date - to head west for a weekend & hike Flattop Mountain in the Rockies. She accepted. We got within striking distance of the summit when a blizzard hit. I was foolishly stubborn about still making it, when she grabbed my hand, looked me in the eye, & said we had a lifetime ahead to come back and finish it. 14 years & two kids later, we finally made it back to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary this weekend. Grateful for the love of my life & every day of our journey together,” the former DOGE member wrote on X.

The post quickly went viral and was flooded with racist comments as several social media users told the couple to “go back to India” while some said he “should be deported”.

‘Go back to India’: Vivek Ramaswamy faces racist backlash online amid tension around H-1B visa programme

The American president Donald Trump's flurry of executive actions is creating uncertainty across groups amongst the American population, and one such group happens to be the children of H1B visa holders who are now approaching their 21st birthday, having migrated to the United States as minors, these children will no longer be classified as dependent on their parents...Watch in for more details!

US H-1B visa: Over 1 lakh dependent Indians in crisis | US immigration crackdown

The drama between the MAGA movement and Elon Musk is far from over. Now, former White House strategist Steve Bannon has declared war on Musk, making it a personal mission to take down the X chief from the Make America Great Again or MAGA movement.
Calling the Tesla CEO a "truly evil guy", Bannon declared that he would have Musk "run out of here by Inauguration Day".&nbsp;
&ldquo;He is a truly evil guy, a very bad guy. I made it my personal thing to take this guy down,&rdquo; Bannon said.
&ldquo;Before, because he put money in, I was prepared to tolerate it; I&rsquo;m not prepared to tolerate it anymore,&rdquo; he added.
He further denounced Musk for backing the H-1B visa stating that it was the "tech overlords" who use the immigration system to their advantage.
&ldquo;This thing of the H-1B visas, it&rsquo;s about the entire immigration system is gamed by the tech overlords, they use it to their advantage, the people are furious,&rdquo; Bannon said in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
&ldquo;He will do anything to make sure that any one of his companies is protected or has a better deal or he makes more money,&rdquo; Bannon said. &ldquo;His aggregation of wealth, and then &mdash; through wealth &mdash; power: that&rsquo;s what he&rsquo;s focused on.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ted-chief-chris-anderson-raises-concerns-over-musks-recent-social-media-posts-says-miss-the-old-elon-8602096">Also read: TED chief Chris Anderson raises concerns over Musk's recent social media posts, says 'miss the old Elon'</a>
<h2>Musk vows to &lsquo;go to war&rsquo; to defend H-1B visa programme</h2>
In December, Musk backed the H-1B visa programme and said it was because of the scheme hat companies that made America stronger were built.
"The reason I&rsquo;m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B," Musk wrote on X.
He then referred to one of the dialogues from &nbsp;Tom Cruise's character in the movie Tropic Thunder to slam the critics to bash him.
"Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face," Musk said.
The appointment of Sriram Krishnan as an AI advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump sparked the debate over the visa regime in the US.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-us-man-asks-indians-to-sign-petition-to-stop-spread-of-h1b-virus-8599073">Also read: VIDEO: US man asks Indians to sign petition to 'stop spread of H1B virus'</a>
<h2>'I've Always Liked H1-B', says Trump</h2>
Trump, in an interview with the New York Post in December, sided with Musk and praised the use of H-1B visas for bringing skilled foreign workers to the US, stating, &ldquo;I have always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That&rsquo;s why we have them.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I&rsquo;ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It&rsquo;s a great programme,&rdquo; Trump said, echoing the views of Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Sriram Krishnan, and David Sacks.
The issue of H-1B visas has caused division among Trump&rsquo;s supporters, especially after his appointment of Krishnan.
Critics argue the programme impacts American jobs, while others, including Elon Musk, have supported skilled immigration.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World news: The appointment of Sriram Krishnan as an AI advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump sparked the debate over the visa regime in the US.

The drama between the MAGA movement and Elon Musk is far from over. Now, former White House strategist Steve Bannon has declared war on Musk, making it a personal mission to take down the X chief from the Make America Great Again or MAGA movement. Calling the Tesla CEO a "truly evil guy", Bannon declared that he would have Musk "run out of here by Inauguration Day". “He is a truly evil guy, a very bad guy. I made it my personal thing to take this guy down,” Bannon said. “Before, because he put money in, I was prepared to tolerate it; I’m not prepared to tolerate it anymore,” he added. He further denounced Musk for backing the H-1B visa stating that it was the "tech overlords" who use the immigration system to their advantage. “This thing of the H-1B visas, it’s about the entire immigration system is gamed by the tech overlords, they use it to their advantage, the people are furious,” Bannon said in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. “He will do anything to make sure that any one of his companies is protected or has a better deal or he makes more money,” Bannon said. “His aggregation of wealth, and then — through wealth — power: that’s what he’s focused on.” Also read: TED chief Chris Anderson raises concerns over Musk's recent social media posts, says 'miss the old Elon' Musk vows to ‘go to war’ to defend H-1B visa programme In December, Musk backed the H-1B visa programme and said it was because of the scheme hat companies that made America stronger were built. "The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B," Musk wrote on X. He then referred to one of the dialogues from Tom Cruise's character in the movie Tropic Thunder to slam the critics to bash him. "Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face," Musk said. The appointment of Sriram Krishnan as an AI advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump sparked the debate over the visa regime in the US. Also read: VIDEO: US man asks Indians to sign petition to 'stop spread of H1B virus' 'I've Always Liked H1-B', says Trump Trump, in an interview with the New York Post in December, sided with Musk and praised the use of H-1B visas for bringing skilled foreign workers to the US, stating, “I have always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That’s why we have them.” “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great programme,” Trump said, echoing the views of Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Sriram Krishnan, and David Sacks. The issue of H-1B visas has caused division among Trump’s supporters, especially after his appointment of Krishnan. Critics argue the programme impacts American jobs, while others, including Elon Musk, have supported skilled immigration. (With inputs from agencies)

'Truly evil guy': Trump’s ex-aide Steve Bannon vows to take Elon Musk down before inauguration day

The Republican camp is caught in a heated debate over the H1B visa, with key figures taking opposing sides. Tension has been growing within the coalition, primarily between MAGA activists and technocrats. While MAGA activists call for prioritizing American workers, technocrats back the importance of foreign talent in maintaining the U.S. competitive edge.

H-1B Visa Row: Republican Camp Embroiled In Heated Debate Over Immigration

The CEO of Tesla, billionaire Elon Musk and one of the biggest supporters of president-elect Donald Trump, has been probably the most active unofficial Trump campaigner on X, which is also owned by Musk. He has shared a lot of videos, and posts and even replied to some during and after the US presidential election.

In the hope of getting a response from Musk, the staunch supporter of the Republican candidate, an Indian man took to X and asked him to ensure there were H-1B visa reforms, not that Trump had won the election.

“Dear @elonmusk, Congratulations on winning the election! It took you 10 years to obtain citizenship in the USA, including your undergraduate and master's studies. You moved to the US in 1992 and became a US citizen in 2002,” Sanjeev Ranjan wrote on X. “Please do justice for Indian-born H-1B visas.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>, 
 
Congratulations 🎉 on winning the election! It took you 10 years to obtain citizenship in the USA, including your undergraduate and master's studies. You moved to the US in 1992 and became a US citizen in 2002. 
 
Please do justice for Indian-born H-1B visas. <a href="https://t.co/xogaMjKeu8">pic.twitter.com/xogaMjKeu8</a>
— Sanjeev Ranjan (@loveyoumykids) <a href="https://twitter.com/loveyoumykids/status/1854642304637600048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Though Musk didn’t reply to the post, it garnered support from many other Indians in the comment section who resonated with the X user.

“So many are stuck in this problem, unfortunately. And there is a lot of misinformation about this and particular hate for this visa,” one user wrote.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-cabinet-to-have-elon-musk-as-secretary-of-cost-cutting-tesla-ceo-says-774480">Trump 2.0 cabinet to have Elon Musk as 'secretary of cost-cutting'? Tesla CEO says…</a>

“Revive the American dream! The infinite wait time for legal immigrants for Indian born is a nightmare. I invented a concrete product that will benefit the USA, and being on H1B, I'm stuck and can not pursue my dreams because of the complex legal immigration,” another user commented.&nbsp;

One said, “Also Indians are not eligible to apply for permanent resident status through the Diversity Visa LOTTERY. At least make ALL nationalities eligible for the LOTTERY if they spend hundreds of thousands of $ on their Ungergrad / grad / PhD programs (say $200k spent in total on FEES)”.&nbsp;

As per a Washington Post report published earlier, Musk briefly worked illegally in the US after he abandoned a graduate studies program in California.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-forecasts-justin-trudeaus-fall-says-he-will-be-gone-in-the-774552">Elon Musk forecasts Justin Trudeau's fall, says 'he will be gone in the...'</a>

If this is true then Musk's support and promotion for Trump’s opposition to "open borders," is ironic. He even previously said that his transition from student to entrepreneur was a "legal grey area."

However, Musk later denied the claims made in the report. Sharing a video of Joe Biden referencing the Washington Post report’s claims on X, Musk wrote, “I was in fact allowed to work in the US. The Biden puppet is lying.”

Experts are expecting Trump could tighten H-1B visa rules after assuming office, which will be a major setback for Indians seeking to move to the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

The CEO of Tesla, billionaire Elon Musk and one of the biggest supporters of president-elect Donald Trump, has been probably the most active unofficial Trump campaigner on X, which is also owned by Musk.

The CEO of Tesla, billionaire Elon Musk and one of the biggest supporters of president-elect Donald Trump, has been probably the most active unofficial Trump campaigner on X, which is also owned by Musk. He has shared a lot of videos, and posts and even replied to some during and after the US presidential election. In the hope of getting a response from Musk, the staunch supporter of the Republican candidate, an Indian man took to X and asked him to ensure there were H-1B visa reforms, not that Trump had won the election. “Dear @elonmusk, Congratulations on winning the election! It took you 10 years to obtain citizenship in the USA, including your undergraduate and master's studies. You moved to the US in 1992 and became a US citizen in 2002,” Sanjeev Ranjan wrote on X. “Please do justice for Indian-born H-1B visas.” Dear @elonmusk, Congratulations 🎉 on winning the election! It took you 10 years to obtain citizenship in the USA, including your undergraduate and master's studies. You moved to the US in 1992 and became a US citizen in 2002. Please do justice for Indian-born H-1B visas. pic.twitter.com/xogaMjKeu8 — Sanjeev Ranjan (@loveyoumykids) November 7, 2024 × Though Musk didn’t reply to the post, it garnered support from many other Indians in the comment section who resonated with the X user. “So many are stuck in this problem, unfortunately. And there is a lot of misinformation about this and particular hate for this visa,” one user wrote. Also Read | Trump 2.0 cabinet to have Elon Musk as 'secretary of cost-cutting'? Tesla CEO says… “Revive the American dream! The infinite wait time for legal immigrants for Indian born is a nightmare. I invented a concrete product that will benefit the USA, and being on H1B, I'm stuck and can not pursue my dreams because of the complex legal immigration,” another user commented. One said, “Also Indians are not eligible to apply for permanent resident status through the Diversity Visa LOTTERY. At least make ALL nationalities eligible for the LOTTERY if they spend hundreds of thousands of $ on their Ungergrad / grad / PhD programs (say $200k spent in total on FEES)”. As per a Washington Post report published earlier, Musk briefly worked illegally in the US after he abandoned a graduate studies program in California. Also Read | Elon Musk forecasts Justin Trudeau's fall, says 'he will be gone in the...' If this is true then Musk's support and promotion for Trump’s opposition to "open borders," is ironic. He even previously said that his transition from student to entrepreneur was a "legal grey area." However, Musk later denied the claims made in the report. Sharing a video of Joe Biden referencing the Washington Post report’s claims on X, Musk wrote, “I was in fact allowed to work in the US. The Biden puppet is lying.” Experts are expecting Trump could tighten H-1B visa rules after assuming office, which will be a major setback for Indians seeking to move to the US. (With inputs from agencies)

'Please do justice': Indian Americans seek Elon Musk's help for H-1B visa reforms

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to announce new rules for H-1B visas which can have radical implications on employers and professionals, particularly Indians. The new rules are expected to be published on July 8 and will be open for public comment for a period of time before visa changes are legalised.

H-1B is the primary visa route taken by Indian IT firms to send their software engineering professionals to work in the US. Indians have traditionally been the largest number of H-1B visa takers.&nbsp;

The proposed rule would mandate a $4,000 fee to extend an H-1B visa and a $4,500 fee to extend an L-1 visa. This is part of the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, which currently applies only to initial visa petitions and changes of employers.

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The proposed rule was introduced by USCIS on October 23 last year and is currently in a comment period that will last for 60 days. It may be finalised by the Biden administration at the end of this year or even after the upcoming election, according to Forbes.

<h2>What are proposed changes in H-1B visa programme that could affect Indians?</h2>

Many Indian H-1B visa holders and prospective applicants could be affected when proposed changes in the visas used by thousands from the country to live and work in the US are notified.

One controversial provision that critics are talking about is that the new rules would restrict positions eligible for H-1B visas by redefining speciality occupations.&nbsp;

It restricts job descriptions to those requiring specific degrees 'closely related to' the job with reference to “directly related specific speciality”.

In other words, it replicates a Trump-era rule that was blocked by courts for potentially excluding many skilled foreign professionals.

The Forbes report also highlights that most of the specialised professionals in the US do not have a degree "directly related" to a specific profession of speciality, which will restrict a lot more people in the new visa rules.&nbsp;

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Another disputed provision will likely affect individuals with degrees in business administration, as they would now be categorised as people with 'a general degree' insufficient for speciality occupation status.

This could be a big challenge for international MBA students aiming for H-1B status, and could reduce the number of international students enrolling in MBA programmes at US universities.

Further to redefining educational qualifications, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also plans to impose a hefty fee on employers for the extension of H-1B and L-1 visas.

At present, employers with over 50 employees over 50 per cent of the employees are on H-1B or L-1 visas are levied a fee.

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The H-1B visa allows American employers to hire skilled workers from abroad for specialised roles that cannot be filled locally. Similarly, the L-1 visa enables employees to transfer from a company in their home country to a related US branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company.

As per a USCIS report, Indians hold the highest number of H-1B visas, and the new provisions in visa rule could hit them the most.

Companies with a significant number of visa extensions may face substantial financial burdens, potentially leading them to reassess their hiring strategies and approach to extending employment for foreign workers.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to announce new rules for H-1B visas which can have radical implications on employers and professionals, particularly Indians.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to announce new rules for H-1B visas which can have radical implications on employers and professionals, particularly Indians. The new rules are expected to be published on July 8 and will be open for public comment for a period of time before visa changes are legalised. H-1B is the primary visa route taken by Indian IT firms to send their software engineering professionals to work in the US. Indians have traditionally been the largest number of H-1B visa takers. The proposed rule would mandate a $4,000 fee to extend an H-1B visa and a $4,500 fee to extend an L-1 visa. This is part of the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, which currently applies only to initial visa petitions and changes of employers. Also Read | Pakistan: Ahmadi community members suffer arrests, vandalism for animal sacrifice on Eid-ul Adha The proposed rule was introduced by USCIS on October 23 last year and is currently in a comment period that will last for 60 days. It may be finalised by the Biden administration at the end of this year or even after the upcoming election, according to Forbes. What are proposed changes in H-1B visa programme that could affect Indians? Many Indian H-1B visa holders and prospective applicants could be affected when proposed changes in the visas used by thousands from the country to live and work in the US are notified. One controversial provision that critics are talking about is that the new rules would restrict positions eligible for H-1B visas by redefining speciality occupations. It restricts job descriptions to those requiring specific degrees 'closely related to' the job with reference to “directly related specific speciality”. In other words, it replicates a Trump-era rule that was blocked by courts for potentially excluding many skilled foreign professionals. The Forbes report also highlights that most of the specialised professionals in the US do not have a degree "directly related" to a specific profession of speciality, which will restrict a lot more people in the new visa rules. Also Read | Russian court sends US soldier to jail for 'stealing' $112 from girlfriend Another disputed provision will likely affect individuals with degrees in business administration, as they would now be categorised as people with 'a general degree' insufficient for speciality occupation status. This could be a big challenge for international MBA students aiming for H-1B status, and could reduce the number of international students enrolling in MBA programmes at US universities. Further to redefining educational qualifications, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also plans to impose a hefty fee on employers for the extension of H-1B and L-1 visas. At present, employers with over 50 employees over 50 per cent of the employees are on H-1B or L-1 visas are levied a fee. Also Read | Chinese 'underground bankers' launder Sinaloa drug money US Los Angeles The H-1B visa allows American employers to hire skilled workers from abroad for specialised roles that cannot be filled locally. Similarly, the L-1 visa enables employees to transfer from a company in their home country to a related US branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company. As per a USCIS report, Indians hold the highest number of H-1B visas, and the new provisions in visa rule could hit them the most. Companies with a significant number of visa extensions may face substantial financial burdens, potentially leading them to reassess their hiring strategies and approach to extending employment for foreign workers. (With inputs from agencies)

New H-1B rules are set to release on July 8. What are controversial provisions that could hit Indians?

Recent layoffs at major companies like Google, Tesla, and Walmart have impacted many immigrant workers on H-1B visas. The good news is, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has just announced new guidelines offering these individuals options to extend their stay in the US.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services release new guidelines

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