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Journalism of Courage
In a move that could have significant repercussions for Indian professionals working in the United States, President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation that raises the annual H1B visa fee to a staggering $100,000. The administration says the hike is intended to ensure that only “truly highly skilled” workers enter the country and that American jobs are protected.
The announcement has drawn strong reactions, especially from Indian professionals and industry leaders. Amitabh Kant, former IAS officer and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, shared a sharply worded response on X.
“Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee will choke U.S. innovation, and turbocharge India’s,” Kant wrote. He added, “By slamming the door on global talent, America pushes the next wave of labs, patents, innovation and startups to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Gurgaon. India’s finest doctors, engineers, scientists, innovators have an opportunity to contribute to India’s growth & progress towards #ViksitBharat. America’s loss will be India’s gain.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering lakhs of views and sparking a lively debate in the comments. One user pointed out, “They are kicking out cheap employees and they will tightly hold innovators and scientists by paying 100k… we should restrict the flow of our data, restrict their apps in our country and give employment to our own people to make our own platforms and apps. Otherwise, this could be a huge setback to our economy and IT industry.”
Another user said, “If this were remotely true, you would all be celebrating. But you’re all very upset. I’d tell you to get a grip, but I know low grip strength is an issue for you.” A third wrote, “India gains in the short run, but global innovation thrives when talent flows freely. Walls around knowledge only slow progress.”
White House staff secretary Will Scharf defended the move, describing the H-1B program as “one of the most abused visa” systems in the current immigration framework. He emphasised that it was designed to allow highly skilled workers in areas where Americans are not employed to enter the country.
