New York/Washington: Immigration attorneys and companies are cautioning H-1B visa holders against travelling outside the US amid President Donald Trump's new plan to impose a USD 100,000 fee on work visas, urging employees to return immediately or risk being stranded.

Trump signed a proclamation on Friday restricting entry of nonimmigrants in “speciality occupations” unless their H-1B petitions are accompanied by a USD 100,000 payment. The order takes effect at 12:01 am on September 21, 2025.

Attorneys and companies are warning H-1B visa holders or their family members currently abroad to return to the US within 24 hours. “H-1B visa holders who are out of the US on business or vacation will get stranded unless they get in before midnight September 21,” said New York-based immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta. He noted that those in India may have already missed the deadline due to limited flight options.

Microsoft reportedly emailed its employees on H-1B visas and dependents to avoid travel and remain in the US to “avoid being denied reentry.” Dependents on H-4 visas are also advised to stay, although the proclamation does not directly affect them.

Cato Institute Director David Bier said Indian H-1B workers have contributed significantly to the US economy but face systemic discrimination. He added that Trump's order unfairly targets this highly productive and law-abiding population.