Sat Sep 20 05:21:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
This article from The Hindu, dated September 20, 2025, reports on the backlash against former US President Donald Trump’s proposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. US lawmakers and community leaders are quoted criticizing the plan as “reckless,” warning it will harm the US tech industry, drive away talent, and weaken the American economy. They suggest alternative solutions, such as prioritizing merit-based selection or exempting startups, and highlight the potential for talent to migrate to countries like Canada or Europe.
**News Article:**
**Trump’s Proposed $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Outcry in US**
**New York/Washington – September 20, 2025 (The Hindu)** – Former US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications is facing fierce criticism from lawmakers and community leaders in the United States. The proposed measure has been labelled “reckless” and “unfortunate,” with critics warning of a significant negative impact on the American IT industry and the broader economy.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the plan as an attempt to isolate the U.S. from skilled foreign workers who contribute significantly to innovation and job creation. He emphasized that many H-1B visa holders eventually become citizens and start businesses.
Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to president Joe Biden and Asian-American community leader on immigration policy, echoed these concerns, stating that the fee hike would create a crisis for the U.S. technology sector. “The H-1B programme…faces unprecedented barriers with this massive jump,” Bhutoria stated, warning that it could cripple small businesses and startups. He further emphasized that the fee would drive talent away from Silicon Valley and towards competitor nations such as Canada and Europe.
Khanderao Kand of the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies also expressed strong disapproval, saying that the policy would negatively impact software and tech companies. He further noted the policy may harm U.S.-educated STEM graduates who are already facing challenges due to automation and trade policies.
Critics are urging for alternative approaches to immigration reform, suggesting focusing on merit-based selection or offering exemptions to startups, rather than implementing what they see as an extreme and damaging overhaul of the H-1B visa system. The debate highlights growing concerns about the future of skilled immigration and its impact on the US’s competitive edge in the global technology landscape.
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