Sadia J. Choudhury, New York , Sept. 22, 2025
– President Donald Trump has announced a dramatic hike in H-1B visa application fees, setting the cost at $100,000 per petition — nearly 60 times higher than the current level.
The administration argues that the move will encourage companies to hire more American workers. But economists and tech industry leaders warn it could have the opposite effect, slowing innovation and weakening U.S. competitiveness in the global economy.
Impact on Tech Industry
Major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta rely heavily on skilled foreign workers through the H-1B program. Analysts fear the steep fee will deter top international talent, making it harder to fill specialized roles in engineering, artificial intelligence, and research.
Economic Outlook
Investment bank Berenberg has already revised its U.S. growth forecast downward, from 2% to 1.5%, citing the visa decision as a contributing factor. Economists say the policy risks creating a “talent vacuum” that may push innovation and investment to other countries.
Global Reaction
India, whose nationals make up a large portion of H-1B applicants, criticized the policy, calling it both “inhumane” and economically disruptive. Shares of Indian IT giants like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services dipped after the announcement.
Expert Warnings
Policy analysts caution that while the goal is to protect domestic jobs, restricting skilled immigration could undermine U.S. leadership in science and technology. “This may secure votes in the short term, but the long-term cost could be America’s innovation edge,” one expert noted.
