‘Let us off the plane’: Donald Trump’s H-1B visa fee sparks chaos on Emirates flight in San Francisco

The White House’s sudden move triggered panic among Indian tech workers and students, with chaos unfolding on a flight bound for India.

By: Trends Desk

New Delhi | September 21, 2025 10:21 AM IST

3 min read

The new decision by the White House applies to those entering America on H-1B visas, but exempts individuals already in the country who are extending or changing their status

The White House’s sudden move triggered panic among Indian tech workers and students, with chaos unfolding on a flight bound for India. Viral posts on social media showed scenes of confusion and fear at San Francisco International Airport after the White House announced a $100,000 entry fee for H-1B visa holders.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO

The US government said the fee would take effect from midnight on September 21, sparking panic among Indian tech workers and students who frequently rely on the visa.

A video posted on X appeared to capture a packed Emirates flight at SFO moments before departure. The aircraft had completed boarding and was ready for takeoff when passengers began receiving news of the visa changes. According to multiple posts circulating on X and Instagram, panic quickly spread among those onboard—many of whom hold H-1B visas—prompting dozens to request to disembark.

“An international flight packed with Indians (coming for Durga Puja) from the Bay Area had completed boarding & was due to leave SFO Airport, when the news about H1B visa new rules just broke out. Indians aboard panicked, pleaded to get off the plane,” wrote one user on X.

The flight was reportedly delayed for over three hours as airport staff scrambled to manage the sudden rush of passengers wanting to get off. The video could not be independently verified by indianexpress.com.

Watch the viral clips here:

Also Read | Donald Trump’s H-1B annual fee hike to $100,000 sparks debate; Amitabh Kant says innovation will move to Bengaluru, Gurgaon: ‘America’s loss will be India’s gain’

The video quickly gained traction, amassing a range of reactions and sparking a debate online. “Shame on the companies,” a user wrote. “Trump is the best thing that happened to America,” another user commented. “I can’t even imagine what tech companies and employees are going through right now. It’s so awful. I am so glad I did my 20 years in tech and bounced. Most people talking about the H1 madness wouldn’t know the process if it teabagged their face,” a third user reacted.

The new decision by the White House applies to those entering America on H-1B visas, but exempts individuals already in the country who are extending or changing their status.

From the homepage