Trump’s Crackdown on Legal Immigration
The United States witnessed a dramatic escalation in immigration policy this week, as President Donald Trump announced sweeping measures aimed at tightening the country’s visa framework. Among the most consequential moves is a steep hike in H-1B visa application fees, raising the cost to a staggering $100,000 annually. This marks a massive leap from the earlier fee structure of roughly $1,700 to $4,500. Trump justified the decision by claiming it would “incentivize American companies to hire American workers,” while ensuring that only “truly extraordinary talent” can access the visa program.
The proclamation, signed at the White House on Friday, signals a broader clampdown on legal immigration pathways. Investor visa costs were also raised significantly, while a new “Gold Card” program for select categories of workers, including artists, scientists, and athletes, was unveiled to replace several employment-based green card routes.
Meta and Microsoft Urge Visa Holders to Stay Put
In response to these sudden developments, major tech firms Meta and Microsoft swiftly issued internal advisories to their employees, warning them against international travel and urging those abroad to return immediately. According to internal information both companies emphasized the risks of re-entry denial under the evolving immigration landscape.
Meta specifically advised all H-1B and H4 visa holders currently in the United States to avoid leaving the country “for the foreseeable future.” It further recommended that those residing outside the US make every possible effort to return within 24 hours. The advisory also instructed employees to remain in the US for at least two weeks until the “practical applications” of the new rules become clearer.
Microsoft echoed similar concerns, “strongly” urging its foreign employees abroad to return without delay, while advising those already within US borders not to risk travel that could jeopardize their immigration status.
A Heavy Blow for Indian Tech Professionals
The fee hike and accompanying restrictions are expected to disproportionately impact Indian technology professionals, who have traditionally formed the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries. Official data shows that Indian citizens accounted for 71 percent of all H-1B approvals last year, far surpassing China, which came in second at 11.7 percent.
The H-1B program has long served as a crucial pipeline for skilled Indian workers, including software engineers, IT specialists, and project managers, enabling them to contribute to America’s technology and innovation sectors. With the new $100,000 fee per worker, however, companies may find it financially unsustainable to continue sponsoring talent at the same scale, especially smaller firms and startups that rely heavily on global skillsets.
Legal Challenges Likely to Follow
Immigration experts and attorneys have already flagged the new visa fee structure as potentially unlawful. Legal analysts told Bloomberg that the fee hike flouts clear requirements under US federal immigration law, opening the door to immediate lawsuits. They argue that such an exponential increase is not only arbitrary but also lacks justification under the current statutory framework.
If challenged in court, the Trump administration could face delays in implementing the new structure. However, the immediate uncertainty has already created chaos for thousands of workers and their employers, particularly in the technology sector.
🚨BREAKING – TRUMP EFFECTIVELY ENDS FOREIGN LABOUR IN THE USA
….slaps a $100,000 PER YEAR fee onto H1B visas!
This is the visa that US tech companies use to bring in workers from South East Asia and Canada pic.twitter.com/mNi0uErPPl
— Tablesalt 🇨🇦 (@Tablesalt13) September 20, 2025
Uncertain Road Ahead for Employers and Workers
The visa fee hike represents more than a financial challenge—it also casts a shadow over the US’s ability to attract and retain global talent. While the Trump administration frames the move as protecting domestic jobs, critics warn it may push multinational firms to expand operations outside the United States.
For Indian professionals, the announcement has injected fear and urgency into their career trajectories. Many are now caught in a precarious position, weighing the costs of staying versus the risks of leaving. Companies like Meta and Microsoft, heavily reliant on skilled foreign workers, face renewed pressure to safeguard their workforce amid shifting immigration rules.
As the situation evolves, industry leaders, immigration advocates, and affected workers alike will be watching closely for potential legal interventions or policy reversals. Until then, the directives from America’s biggest tech firms remain clear: stay in the US, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for uncertain times ahead.
