The Trump administration’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications has drawn sharp criticism from Indian leaders and global business groups who warn it could undermine U.S. innovation. The policy, which takes effect Sunday, applies to new applicants for the visa program that allows American companies to hire skilled foreign professionals.
Indian nationals account for nearly 70 percent of all H-1B recipients. In 2024, more than 285,000 Indians were approved, most in technology and research roles at firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce cautioned the policy could chill investment and disrupt operations.
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said the move will backfire. “Donald Trump’s 100,000 H-1B fee will choke U.S. innovation, and turbocharge India’s,” he said. “America’s loss will be India’s gain.”
Analysts warn the fee could drive high-skilled workers to Canada, Europe, or back to India, shifting the next wave of innovation overseas.