New $100,000 Fee Creates Travel Panic
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a massive new fee on H-1B visas. The order takes effect at 12:01 am on September 21, 2025. This move has triggered an immediate response from major corporations and legal experts.
Immigration attorneys are now warning H-1B visa holders abroad to return to the United States. They fear workers could be stranded and denied re-entry if they miss the deadline.
New $100,000 Fee Creates Travel Panic
The proclamation restricts entry for nonimmigrant workers in specialty occupations. Their H-1B petitions must now be accompanied by a payment of USD 100,000. This policy directly impacts thousands of Indian professionals and other foreign workers.
According to internal communications, companies like Microsoft are taking urgent action. They have advised employees on H-1B visas to avoid all international travel. Those currently outside the US are being told to return before the September 21 deadline.
Many workers on vacation or business trips now face a frantic race against the clock. New York-based immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta highlighted the extreme time pressure. He noted that individuals in India may have already missed the chance for a timely return.
Broader Impact on Tech Industry and Families
The policy’s repercussions extend beyond the primary visa holders. Dependents on H-4 visas are also being advised to stay in the US. This is despite the proclamation not explicitly mentioning them.
Industry experts have condemned the move. David Bier of the Cato Institute called the policy discriminatory. He stated that Indian H-1B workers have contributed an “unfathomable amount” to America through taxes and innovation.
The new fee creates significant uncertainty for the entire tech sector. It disrupts business operations and international collaboration. The long-term effects on America’s competitiveness in global talent acquisition remain a major concern.
This development represents a seismic shift in US immigration policy. The immediate focus is on preventing H-1B visa holders from becoming stranded abroad. The new $100,000 fee creates a substantial barrier for specialized workers seeking entry.
