Over 70% of H-1B visa holders are Indian citizens. Its government says Trump jacking the fee to $100,000 is 'likely to have humanitarian consequences' | Fortune

"India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a response Saturday to President Donald Trump's decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, warning on X that the move could create "humanitarian consequences" by disrupting families, calling for the United States to address these concerns. The statement came after Trump signed a proclamation Friday imposing the hefty new fee on skilled worker visas, which went into effect on Sunday."

"The proclamation sparked immediate chaos across Indian communities and the global tech industry, with thousands of H-1B visa holders scrambling to return to the United States before the new rules took effect. At San Francisco International Airport, The Independent reports that several Indian passengers disembarked from an Emirates flight just minutes before takeoff, because they feared being unable to return to the U.S. under the new policy. A three-hour delay ensued."

"India has particular reason for concern about the policy changes: According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Indian nationals account for 71% of H-1B visa recipients, making them by far the largest beneficiary group. Chinese nationals represent the second-largest group at approximately 12%. The dominance is even more pronounced in technology roles, where over 80% of computer-related H-1B positions are filled by Indian workers."

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, effective Sunday, marking a major overhaul of the skilled-worker visa regime. India's Ministry of External Affairs warned the fee is likely to produce humanitarian consequences by disrupting families and urged U.S. authorities to address those disruptions. The change prompted immediate panic among H-1B holders, with thousands attempting to return to the United States before the new rule took effect and causing at least one airport delay. Indian nationals account for about 71% of H-1B recipients and fill over 80% of computer-related H-1B positions, while prior application costs ranged roughly $1,700 to $4,500.

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