H-1B10

According to a report from the Reference News citing the "Times of India" website on September 21, after US President Trump signed an unprecedented announcement charging $100,000 for H-1B visas, the Indian Embassy in the United States announced an emergency assistance hotline for Indian citizens seeking urgent help on September 20. A senior US government official clarified that this high fee only applies to new applicants for H-1B visas, not to existing visa holders or renewals. Of all H-1B visas, 71%-72% are issued to Indians, and Trump's move has caused panic in the Indian tech industry and among thousands of professionals in the US. The Indian government stated that it is studying the "full impact" of this measure and has asked its foreign missions to provide all possible assistance to Indian citizens facing emergency travel situations. As one of the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B program, Indian IT companies are expected to engage with their US counterparts and lobbying groups to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of the new fee structure. According to Agence France-Presse on September 20, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated on the 20th that it is concerned that the $100,000 fee for US H-1B visas "will disrupt families," leading to "humane consequences," and "hopes" that US authorities can handle these issues properly. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that talent mobility promotes "technological development, innovation, and economic growth" in both countries. The National Association of Software and Service Companies, the main technology industry organization in India, expressed concerns on the 20th about the "continuity" of certain projects and worry about the rapid implementation of US policies, causing "great uncertainty for global businesses, professionals, and students."