Daijiworld Media Network – San Francisco
San Francisco, Sep 21: A wave of panic-struck Indian H-1B visa holders and applicants in the United States on Saturday after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at airports, with several Indian passengers reportedly disembarking from an Emirates flight at San Francisco International Airport just minutes before takeoff, fearing they might not be able to return to the US if they left. The flight was delayed for over three hours as airport staff managed the sudden exits.
Viral videos circulating on social media showed a cabin packed with Indian nationals in visible panic after news of the steep visa fee hike spread. One X user described how passengers aboard an international flight “pleaded to get off the plane” after hearing about the new rules.
Tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, and JP Morgan have reportedly advised employees on H-1B visas to either return to the US before September 21 or avoid international travel to prevent potential complications.
The new fee represents a massive jump from the current filing cost of USD 2,000 to 5,000, raising concerns among experts that it could severely impact Indian professionals and companies relying on the H-1B programme. The visa, popular among Indian tech workers, is typically valid for three years and renewable for an additional three years.