Sat Sep 20 09:16:20 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation significantly increasing the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 annually. This move, justified by the Trump administration as necessary for national security and protecting American jobs by ensuring that only highly skilled workers are admitted, has been met with strong criticism. US lawmakers and community leaders have labeled the decision “reckless” and “unfortunate,” predicting negative consequences for the US economy and innovation. Indian professionals and companies relying on the H-1B visa are directly impacted. Immigration attorneys are advising those currently outside the US to return immediately to avoid being denied re-entry. Companies like Amazon, TCS, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Google, Deloitte, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra Americas who are major H-1B visa beneficiaries are likely to be heavily affected.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: September 20, 2025**

**Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike Sparks Outrage, Threatens Indian Tech Professionals**

**Washington D.C.:** A dramatic escalation in US immigration policy threatens to significantly impact Indian professionals and IT companies. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation raising the annual H-1B visa fee to a staggering $100,000, a move decried by many as protectionist and detrimental to US innovation.

The Trump administration claims the fee hike is necessary to ensure that only the “most highly skilled” workers enter the US and to safeguard American jobs, arguing that the H-1B program has been abused and poses a “national security threat.”

However, critics in the US, including prominent lawmakers, have condemned the decision. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called the increase a “reckless attempt to cut America off from high-skilled workers,” warning of its potential to damage the US economy.

The immediate impact is being felt by Indian professionals. Immigration attorneys are urging H-1B visa holders currently outside the US to return immediately, as the new regulations will take effect on September 21st at 12:01 AM, potentially barring their re-entry.

Major Indian IT companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra Americas, are among the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visas. These companies now face a considerable increase in operating costs, potentially leading to a reassessment of their US operations and increased investment in talent within India.

“This is a concerning development that could stifle innovation and force companies to look elsewhere for talent,” stated Amitabh Kant, a prominent Indian policy expert. “The increased costs could inadvertently push the next wave of patents and technological advancements to Indian cities.”

While the proclamation includes a provision for exemptions based on national interest and security, the criteria remain unclear. The potential for significant disruption and a shift in the global technology landscape looms large. The situation is being closely monitored by the Indian government and industry leaders, who are assessing the long-term implications of this controversial decision.

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