In a major development amid the ongoing tensions between India and the United States, a new policy move could potentially cause more collateral damage to the U.S. than to India. Earlier today, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to raise the annual H-1B visa fee to an unprecedented $100,000—a decision that has been widely criticized by American lawmakers as “unfortunate.”
The proclamation has caused widespread concern, particularly among immigration attorneys and companies relying on foreign skilled workers. Many are now urging H-1B visa holders and their family members currently outside the U.S. for work or vacation to return within the next 24 hours, or risk being stranded and denied re-entry once the new rules come into effect at 12:01 AM on September 21.
As of June 2025, Amazon led the list of H-1B visa holders in the U.S., employing 10,044 individuals under the program, according to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) came in second with 5,505 H-1B employees, followed by Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), Google (4,181), Deloitte (2,353), Infosys (2,004), Wipro (1,523), and Tech Mahindra Americas (951).
The H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to employ highly skilled foreign workers, has long been a subject of political debate. Over the years, President Trump has expressed repeated intentions to tighten regulations around the program, often positioning such changes as protective measures for American workers.
The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 28, 2024
Take a big step back and FUCK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot…
However, the U.S. has historically served as a hub for global talent, particularly in the fields of technology, engineering, and healthcare. Professionals from around the world have contributed to the U.S. economy through innovation and labor—an impact made possible in large part due to programs like H-1B.
Even Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has voiced strong support for the H-1B visa program. In a past tweet, he noted that many of the key individuals who helped build companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of others that made America strong were H-1B visa holders.
Musk also stated that he would “strongly defend” the program, recognizing its role in maintaining America’s competitive edge in technology and innovation. As Elon had stood in the past, would he do so again?
What Was Tesla Accused Of?
On September 12, 2025, Tesla faced a lawsuit alleging that it had favored visa holders over American workers to reduce labor costs. The complaint stated that Tesla had hired an estimated 1,355 visa holders while laying off more than 6,000 domestic employees, the majority of whom were believed to be U.S. citizens.
Trump on the H-1B Visa Program
President Donald Trump has described the H-1B visa program as being subject to systematic abuse, particularly by IT outsourcing firms. He labeled this misuse a “national security threat” and claimed it has made it harder for American college graduates to secure jobs, as companies prefer to hire foreign workers at lower wages.
Expert Opinion
Sophie Alcorn, an immigration lawyer, stated that the new policy will likely limit job mobility and make H-1B renewals significantly more costly. She warned that employers may hesitate to sponsor or retain H-1B employees, especially early-career professionals, possibly pushing many to seek opportunities in countries like Canada, the UK, UAE, or Saudi Arabia
Impact on Indian Workers
This move could severely impact Indian professionals, who made up 71% of all H-1B visa approvals in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. Most of these approvals were for computer-related occupations, with an average salary of $120,000. H-1B visas are typically valid for up to three years.
