In a significant shift in US immigration policy, President Donald Trump has announced a new fee of $100,000 for H-1B visa applications, effective immediately. This decision has raised alarms among Indian IT professionals, who make up a large portion of H-1B visa holders. The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields, and the steep fee increase has led to fears of disruption in careers and projects.

The announcement, made under the proclamation titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," has caused widespread confusion. Many Indian professionals currently in the US or abroad were concerned about the implications of this fee, particularly regarding renewals and re-entries. Reports indicated that some companies advised their employees to cut short trips to India to avoid the new costs.

To address the growing panic, the White House clarified that the $100,000 fee is a one-time charge applicable only to new visa applications. Current H-1B holders and those traveling abroad will not be affected by this fee. A senior US administration official reassured, "Those visiting or leaving the country do not need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. It is applicable only for new visa applications."

Despite this clarification, the implications of the fee remain concerning. Industry leaders warn that the high cost could deter smaller companies from hiring skilled foreign workers, while larger firms may reconsider their hiring strategies. The flow of talent between India and the US has been crucial for innovation and economic growth, and any restrictions could impact both nations' competitiveness in the global market.

Adding to the controversy, an old video of Trump surfaced, where he promised automatic green cards for foreign graduates from US universities. This starkly contrasts with the current policy changes, leading to further discussions online about the inconsistency in Trump's immigration stance.

In a related incident, videos emerged of Indian passengers deboarding an Emirates flight at San Francisco International Airport, fearing they might be barred from returning to the US due to the new fee. The cabin crew addressed the situation, allowing passengers to disembark if they chose not to travel under the new circumstances.

As the situation unfolds, the tech industry is on high alert, with major companies like Microsoft and Amazon urging employees to return to the US before the fee takes effect. The future of the H-1B visa program now hangs in the balance, as policymakers in Washington consider the broader implications of this fee on international talent mobility.