In a move that could severely affect Indian technology professionals, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation raising the annual H-1B visa fee to an unprecedented $100,000.
The decision, announced Friday, is part of the Trump administration’s aggressive push to curb immigration and could make it nearly impossible for many companies to sponsor foreign workers.
Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Attack
Reacting to the development, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I repeat, India has a weak PM,” Gandhi posted, sharing a report on the visa fee hike.
Gandhi made the remarks during a party interaction in Junagadh, Gujarat, where he met with district presidents to discuss the economic impact of the decision.
Impact on Indian Workforce
India accounts for 71% of all H-1B visa holders, meaning this move disproportionately affects Indian professionals working in the U.S. An HT analysis notes that the new visa fee is higher than the median annual salary of a fresh H-1B visa holder and more than 80% of the average annual salary of all H-1B workers. Experts believe the decision could amount to a near-dismantling of the H-1B program.
Other Congress Leaders Join In
Congress leaders across the board echoed Rahul Gandhi’s criticism, targeting PM Modi for his alleged lack of response.
Gaurav Gogoi, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, wrote:
“The American government has hit at the future of the best and brightest minds from India. I still remember the boldness of former PM Manmohan Singh when one IFS lady diplomat was insulted in the US. Now PM Modi’s preference for strategic silence and loud optics has become a liability.”
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president, attacked Modi over the timing of the announcement:
“Indians are often pained by the return gifts they receive after a birthday call. Birthday Return Gifts from your ‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ Govt! $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, hits Indian tech workers the hardest.”
Pawan Khera, Congress communications in-charge, posted:
“Eight years later, Rahul Gandhi is vindicated yet again. He called it out back in 2017 and nothing has changed. India is still stuck with a weak Prime Minister.”
Political Fallout Expected
The decision is likely to become a flashpoint in Indian politics as opposition parties sharpen their attack on the government for not lobbying effectively with Washington to protect Indian interests. The Modi government has yet to issue a formal response to the U.S. move, which could affect thousands of Indian IT professionals and the country’s $245-billion IT export industry.
