In a move that has stunned thousands of Indian professionals, US President Donald Trump announced a steep hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 (about Rs 88 lakh) with barely any time for adjustment. The new rule, effective from September 21, 12:01 am EDT, has triggered widespread panic among H-1B workers, especially Indians who account for nearly 70% of all recipients. The ripple effects were immediate—soaring airfares, chaotic airport scenes, and tech firms scrambling to safeguard employees.
The Sudden Rule and Its Deadline
The announcement left no room for preparation. Workers had until September 21 morning (IST) to re-enter the US before the new rule locked them out unless their employers paid the inflated fee. For many Indians visiting home for festivals like Durga Puja or on business trips, the timing could not have been worse. With direct flights unable to meet the narrow window, many professionals were effectively stranded.
Airfare Shock: Airlines Cash In
Almost instantly, the cost of flying from India to the US doubled within hours.
- A Delhi–New York ticket that averaged Rs 37,000 surged to Rs 70,000–80,000.
- Some flights even crossed $4,500 (Rs 3.75 lakh) for a one-way ticket.
Airlines, sensing the desperation, quickly adjusted prices upward as panicked travelers scrambled for any available seat.
Tech Giants Urge Caution
Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan immediately advised their H-1B employees not to leave the US until clarity emerges. Those already abroad were told to return without delay, though for many in India, that directive came too late.
Chaos at Airports
Airports worldwide witnessed confusion and fear:
- At San Francisco International Airport, flights were delayed for hours as passengers debated whether to continue their journey. Some even deboarded after learning they might not re-enter the US.
- In Dubai, passengers bound for Mumbai described watching 10–15 Indian tech workers exit the aircraft within minutes, unwilling to risk their US status.
The atmosphere at airports reflected uncertainty—workers torn between returning to the US immediately or risking their visas by staying back.
Why Indians Are Hit the Hardest
Indians form the backbone of the H-1B program, making up about seven out of every ten visas issued. For many, the US is not just a workplace but a temporary home. Trump’s sudden rule not only disrupts professional commitments but also strains families and financial planning. The sharp airfare hikes add another layer of burden to an already vulnerable community.
Trump’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees and enforce a sudden deadline has shaken the Indian tech community like never before. What was once a routine flight has turned into a race against time, with soaring fares and chaotic airport scenes underscoring the deep reliance of Indians on the H-1B program. The coming weeks will reveal whether this move is a temporary disruption or the beginning of a lasting shift in US immigration policy.
