The US government’s recent decision to impose a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applicants has sent shockwaves through the tech sector. Major companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet swiftly issued guidance urging affected employees to avoid international travel to prevent costly complications. These firms are coordinating closely with their workforce to ensure stability and limit disruption to operations.
Indian workers, who make up the majority of H-1B visa holders, are disproportionately impacted by the fee increase. The policy complicates talent deployment from Indian IT firms to the US, sparking concern from Indian authorities and humanitarian groups. Support hotlines have been set up to help affected workers navigate the new regulatory environment.
Experts warn that the US’s ability to attract top global talent has been key to its tech dominance, and restricting this pipeline threatens competitiveness. Startups and smaller businesses reliant on H-1B talent could suffer disproportionately compared to large corporations. A delicate balance must be found to nurture domestic workforce growth while maintaining open doors for global technology leaders.
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