WASHINGTON (AP) — The Indian government expressed concern Saturday about President Donald Trump’s latest push to upend American immigration policy, dramatically raising the fee for visas that bring tech workers from India and other countries to the United States.
The president on Friday signed a proclamation that will require a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas — meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill. He also rolled out a $1 million “gold card” visa for wealthy individuals, moves that face near-certain legal challenges amid widespread criticism he is sidestepping Congress.
If the moves survive legal muster, they will deliver staggering price increases. The visa fee for skilled workers would jump from $215.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Saturday that Trump’s plan “was being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry.” The ministry warned that this measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the U.S. authorities.
Critics argue that the H-1B visas undercut American workers, with many positions being filled by individuals willing to work for significantly less than the standard salaries for U.S. tech roles, which typically exceed $100,000 annually.
The announcement regarding H-1B visas has caused major concern among businesses and employees within the tech industry. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce voiced anxiety about the potential ramifications on American employers and the workforce.
Trump’s administration has characterized the raises as necessary for economic balance. However, there are fears that this could limit opportunities for many skilled workers from India and other nations, who contribute significantly to the U.S. tech sector.
Responses to Trump’s proposal have been mixed; while some applaud the attempt to curb what they see as unfair advantages for foreign workers, others criticize it as detrimental to the American labor force. Economic experts suggest that newly proposed fee structures may distort the visa market, leading to fewer applicants and stifling innovation.
Historically, H-1B visas have been issued via a random lottery. Trump’s new policies will shape the competition for these visas. The implications for the industry are vast, with major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple heavily invested in these visa categories for their technical hiring.
As the nation watches closely, it remains to be seen how these changes will unfold and what their long-term impact on the immigration landscape and the American economy will be.
