In a development that could adversely affect Indian professionals in the U.S., President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to raise the fee for H-1B visas to a staggering $1,00,000 annually, a move described by American lawmakers and community leaders as “reckless” and “unfortunate”.
Mr. Trump signed the proclamation ‘Restriction on entry of certain non-immigrant workers’, saying the abuse of the H-1B visa programme is a “national security threat”.
The White House moved quickly to calm fears following President Donald Trump’s order on Saturday that introduced a steep fee for H-1B visa petitions. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the $100,000 charge is neither annual nor retroactive, but a one-time fee that applies exclusively to fresh H-1B petitions.
She further emphasised that existing H-1B visa holders—whether in the United States or temporarily abroad—will not be required to pay to re-enter the country. Their travel rights, she added, remain unchanged.
The White House Press chief further clarified that the measure excludes renewals and will take effect in the next visa lottery cycle rather than immediately.