Sat Sep 20 05:30:32 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**U.S. Slaps $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas, Citing National Security Concerns**

*New York/Washington – September 20, 2025* – U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday imposing a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The move, justified as necessary to combat abuse of the program and protect American workers, has raised concerns in India, a major source of H-1B recipients.

The proclamation, titled ‘Restriction on entry of certain non-immigrant workers,’ restricts the entry into the U.S. of those workers whose H-1B petitions are not accompanied or supplemented by the substantial payment. The order is effective September 21, 2025, and lasts for a term of 12 months.

President Trump stated that the H-1B program, originally intended to bring in highly skilled temporary workers for additive roles, has been “deliberately exploited” to replace American workers with lower-paid labor. He further alleged that abuse of the program constitutes a national security threat, citing investigations into outsourcing companies for visa fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

“The severe harms that the large-scale abuse of this program has inflicted on our economic and national security demand an immediate response,” said Trump in the proclamation. He argues that unrestricted entry of certain foreign workers would harm American workers by undercutting their wages.

The proclamation highlights the increasing dominance of IT workers within the H-1B program, growing from 32% in 2003 to over 65% in recent years. It alleges that IT firms have “manipulated” the system, disadvantaging American workers in computer-related fields. The proclamation points to instances of high unemployment rates among computer science graduates and layoffs at American tech companies who then hired H-1B workers.

The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to restrict decisions on petitions without the $100,000 payment for the next 12 months. The Secretary of State is instructed to issue guidance to prevent misuse of B visas by those with approved H-1B petitions with start dates before October 1, 2026. Exemptions may be granted if hiring H-1B workers is deemed in the national interest and does not pose a threat to U.S. security or welfare.

The restrictions will only apply to individuals entering or attempting to enter the U.S. after September 21, 2025.

The move is likely to have significant implications for Indian IT companies and skilled workers seeking opportunities in the U.S. The Indian government is expected to respond to the new restrictions, which are being viewed with concern from an Indian perspective.

**###**

Read More