Panic Among Indian Tech Workers Following Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Announcement

Impact of the H-1B Visa Fee Announcement

The unexpected declaration by Donald Trump regarding a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa holders last Friday has created significant distress for Indian employees. In response, leading tech firms instructed their overseas staff to return to the U.S. within a day, compelling many to cut short family gatherings and vacations to rush to the airport.

A Reddit user, known as 'Saramuch', expressed his anxiety and that of fellow H-1B visa holders, detailing how major corporations like Amazon and Microsoft sent urgent emails on Saturday, mandating their employees to be back in the U.S. by 9:31 AM on September 21st.

The Reddit user lamented, "For those lacking empathy, shame on you. You didn’t witness my mother’s tears as she anticipated seeing me for the first time in months, looking forward to a week together after years apart!"

He further stated, "This is unjust. We didn’t deserve this. The emotional strain has been overwhelming, with families torn apart and significant events missed."

Later, the White House provided clarification that employers would not be required to pay such a hefty fee for H-1B visa holders re-entering the U.S., offering some relief. However, by that time, many cherished moments had already been lost.

Numerous other H-1B visa holders described the aftermath of Trump's late-night announcement as a period filled with "a crazy sense of panic."