The recent proposal by the US government to increase the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000 has sparked significant concerns in India. This new fee, which is approximately 60 times higher than the current rate, will take effect starting this Sunday. Indian officials have voiced their apprehensions, stressing that such a steep increase may bring about serious humanitarian consequences for thousands of skilled professionals and their families who rely on the H-1B visa to work and live in the United States.
Impact on Indian Professionals and Families
The H-1B visa program plays a vital role for many Indian IT professionals and other skilled workers seeking employment opportunities in the US. A fee hike of this magnitude could potentially deter talented individuals from applying, affecting the flow of skilled labor and disrupting the livelihoods of many families. Indian authorities have urged the US to reconsider the decision, highlighting that such measures could damage bilateral relations and harm the economic interests of both countries. As this policy change looms, many are watching closely to see how it will impact the global workforce and the longstanding partnership between India and the United States.
