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Telegram GroupUS President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping immigration move: a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The proclamation aims to restrict foreign workers, raising alarm for Indians who form the majority of H-1B beneficiaries. Alongside this, Trump introduced a premium “Gold Card” visa program, designed for wealthy individuals and businesses.
What is the H-1B Visa?
- Temporary US work visa created in 1990.
- Allows companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields like technology, engineering, and medicine.
- Valid initially for 3 years, extendable to 6 years.
- Applicants go through a lottery system via US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- The program has long fueled the growth of Silicon Valley, with tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta relying heavily on Indian engineers.
Why Trump Raised Fees
Trump defended the move, saying it will:
- Ensure only “highly skilled” professionals are admitted.
- Protect American workers from being replaced.
- Curb alleged misuse of the visa system.
- White House officials called H-1B one of the “most abused” visa programs and argued that higher fees will filter applicants to the very best.
Impact on Indians
- India accounts for 71% of H-1B beneficiaries, followed by China at 11.7%.
- With the $100,000 fee, Indians may face massive financial hurdles when applying or renewing visas.
- For those awaiting Green Cards, the long backlog means they must repeatedly renew H-1B visas—each time paying the hefty fee.
- Experts warn this could discourage smaller companies from hiring Indian professionals, even though big firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta may still afford the cost.
Citizenship Test Changes
Trump also revived a stricter citizenship test:
- Applicants must answer 12 out of 20 oral questions from a pool of 128 covering US history and politics.
- This test was first introduced during Trump’s 2020 presidency but was scrapped by Joe Biden.
The Gold Card Visa Program
Alongside H-1B restrictions, Trump launched the “Gold Card” visa scheme:
- $1 million fee for individuals, $2 million for businesses.
- Marketed as a premium path for “extraordinary people” who can create jobs in the US.
- Officials argue it will raise billions in revenue to reduce taxes and debt.
Critics see this as a wealth-driven alternative to traditional immigration, favoring the ultra-rich over skilled professionals.
Key Highlights
| Program | Change | Impact |
| H-1B Visa | $100,000 application fee | Major barrier for Indian IT workers |
| Green Card | backlog, no fee change | Indians must renew H-1B repeatedly |
| Citizenship Test | More demanding, 128 questions | Harder for immigrants to qualify |
| Gold Card Visa | 1M for individuals, $2M for firms | Targets wealthy, not skilled workers |
Pros & Cons of Trump’s Move
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
| Could limit misuse of H-1B system | Excludes mid-level skilled workers |
| May generate more US revenue | Costs unaffordable for most applicants |
| Pushes companies to prove real need | Indian workers face biggest setback |
| Premium visa (Gold Card) attracts investors | Favors wealth over merit, creates inequality |
Quick Takeaway
- Trump imposes $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, hitting Indian tech workers hardest.
- India is the largest beneficiary of the program, making the move especially significant.
- New Gold Card program caters to millionaires and businesses.
- Citizenship test made more difficult.
- Immigration debate in the US intensifies as elections loom.
FAQs
Q1: Why is the H-1B visa important for Indians?
Because Indians make up over 70% of beneficiaries, many working in top US tech companies.
Q2: How much will Indians now pay for an H-1B visa?
Each application or renewal will cost $100,000 (₹88 lakh+).
Q3: What is the Gold Card program?
A premium visa option costing $1 million (individuals) or $2 million (businesses), aimed at wealthy investors.
Q4: Will the rule affect Green Card applicants?
Yes. Since many Indians face long Green Card backlogs, they must renew H-1Bs multiple times, paying the new fee each time.
Q5: When does this change take effect?
The proclamation has already been signed; details on enforcement timelines are expected soon.
Conclusion
Trump’s new visa rules mark one of the most drastic shifts in US immigration policy in years. By targeting the H-1B program, which has been a lifeline for Indian professionals, the move risks reshaping the tech industry’s global talent pipeline.
With the addition of the Gold Card visa program, the US appears to be prioritising wealth-based immigration over skill-based opportunities. For Indians, who have long dominated the H-1B space, the policy could mean higher costs, longer waits, and fewer chances to live the American dream.
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