September 25, 2025

On a quiet morning, thousands of Indian tech professionals woke up to a headline that felt like a punch to the gut: the US government had imposed a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa holders. No warning. No grace period. There was only a one-day window to re-enter the country before the fee took effect. This situation shook the entire job seekers from India. For many, the American Dream didn’t just dim — it slammed shut. President Donald Trump is continuously taking bigger steps against India, only to sour the relationship. The President is ensuring the benefit of the USA, its GDP, and its businesses. Being self-centred is perfectly fine because, in politics, everyone sees their country’s interests. Ironically, when other countries see their benefits, Trump becomes nervous. President Trump is imposing new ‘Sanctions’ against India that include 50% tariffs. It has been a history of the USA to support Pakistan, and now, the new rule, the ‘H1B visa’. Please read articles on what a tariff war is and its effects, below- Initially, it appears to be a slam on India, but the USA may eventually put itself in trouble. Let’s examine why the USA will also face a massive hit. One thing shines brightly now – Double Standards of the World’s Biggest Economy – PolyBlogger.com The new H-1B visa policy isn’t just a policy change. It’s a tremor-like shift in how talent flows across borders, how they drive innovation, and how they capitalize on their dreams. For Indian Aspirants: A Dream Deferred For decades, the H-1B visa has been a lifeline for Indian engineers, designers, data scientists, researchers, and other professionals seeking employment opportunities in the United States. That doesn’t mean the opportunities aren’t available in India at all. Still, India experiences a brain drain for several reasons. The article below provides an overview of the reasons behind brain drain. 🚀 Brain Drain in India: Why Bright Minds Leave and What It Says About Indians – PolyBlogger.com It’s been the bridge between – But with the new fee of $100,000 (Nearly Rs. 90,00,000 or Rs. 9 million), that bridge now has a toll booth that few can afford to cross. This is the fee that either the individual or their company must pay. It’s hard for an employee to bear this cost. Even if companies are paying this high fee, they must pay for other expenses as well, like air travel tickets, accommodation if any (temporary or permanent), wages, perks, incentives, other employee benefit programs such as meals, outings, dinner/lunch, weekly lunch, annual day programs, etc. The expenses are too high for any company, even if it can afford them. Who is hit the hardest by this decision? Early-career professionals are the hardest hit. Fresh graduates from Indian universities, even with stellar resumes, now face a financial barrier that makes US jobs nearly inaccessible. Many H-1B visa holders who travelled to India for weddings, funerals, or festivals now scramble to return before the fee activates — or risk losing their jobs. Mental health toll is real. The uncertainty, the suddenness, and the sheer cost have left many feeling stranded, anxious, and betrayed by a system immigrants trusted. Now the world wonders whether the USA is still a reliable partner. The H-1B visa rules aren’t just about money. It’s about dignity, stability, and the emotional cost of being treated as a transactional asset. For the US Government: An opportunity for increased native jobs and retain money With a very high debt on its head and widespread public anger about jobs going to foreigners, the USA had to make some decisions, whether necessary or not. Regardless of what different countries think about him, his country is his priority. He aims to curb the outflow of money through various measures, including tariffs on foreign goods, restrictions on hiring foreign employees, and increased sales of defense equipment. What he is probably ignoring is – The President is forcing the world to undergo a transition that may be worst for the USA but is best for the world. Donald Trump is preparing for a US economic funeral, unknowingly. Trump is doing all of these because Russia is at war with Ukraine, and China is now an economic and manufacturing global power, and the USA want to control it. India is rising and fulfilling its oil needs from Russia, as well as its defense needs from Europe, particularly from France and Germany. Trump is probably upset because India is not buying defense equipment from the USA. India is clear in its requirement. It requires technology transfer, localized production, or the integration of local components, or a combination of these approaches. It entirely depends on the defense ministry’s plan. Additionally, India requires cost-effective and beneficial equipment that offers long-term benefits, along with minimal maintenance costs and lower operational expenses. America may not fit in all or some of these criteria. So, India is not purchasing it. For US Companies: Innovation Under Siege The fee isn’t just a burden on individuals — it’s a toll tax on innovation. For India: A Strategic Crossroads India stands at a crossroads. It entirely depends on how India perceives it: as a challenge and an opportunity or a punishment. India must now decide: does it fight for access to the US, or build a future where it no longer needs it? However, it is also true that the Trump administration will not last long. With the new government, there are hopes for improving bilateral trade negotiations. It is also true that in Politics, no one is a permanent enemy or a permanent friend; it is all about selfish motives. Niche Effects: The Quiet Collateral Damage Beyond headlines and boardrooms, the fee hike has subtle, far-reaching, and heavy consequences. These effects won’t show up in GDP charts, as they are not measurable unless studied in depth—but they’ll shape lives, families, and futures. The Bigger Picture: What Kind of country does America want to be? At its core, this policy forces a