New York: US President Donald Trump's proclamation imposing a USD 100,000 fee on H1B visas is “reckless” and “weaponises” immigration policy to advance a xenophobic agenda, a leading community organisation said.

The Trump administration announced a one-time USD 100,000 fee on H1B visas on Friday. Indian American Impact condemned the move, calling its rollout “chaotic” and disruptive, especially for professionals abroad dealing with family or medical emergencies.

Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact, said the policy “targets H-1B holders, sabotages our economic future, and fuels discrimination against Indian Americans and all immigrant communities.” He added it threatens America's global leadership and high-skilled workforce while placing heavy burdens on families and businesses.

Attorney Navneet Chugh noted that Indian professionals comprise about 72% of all approved H1B visas, filling critical STEM roles in research, engineering, AI, and quantum computing. H1B workers and their families contribute around USD 86 billion annually to the US economy, USD 24 billion in federal and state taxes, and USD 25 billion to Social Security and Medicare.

Chugh highlighted that Indian immigrants are central to US technological leadership, citing Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft head Satya Nadella, and Adobe chief Shantanu Narayen. He also warned that the fee could strain US-India relations while benefiting competitors like China, which invests in human capital.

A Harvard Crimson report noted that the fee could cost Harvard over USD 10 million annually if it continues sponsoring more than 100 new H1B applicants each year. The Trump administration clarified the fee applies only to new petitions and not current visa holders.