Politics · India Bureau
Congress slams Modi government over Trump's extended H-1B visa fee
The Indian National Congress has criticised the government for failing to resist a U.S. decision to extend a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions for another year, saying it will harm Indian IT professionals and students seeking employment in America.
LSN India ·
Congress alleged on Saturday that the Narendra Modi administration had capitulated to U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, claiming India bore the costs while Washington gained concessions. Pawan Khera, the party's media and publicity chief, said the year-long extension of the elevated visa fee would create significant obstacles for Indian students and technology professionals attempting to enter the American workforce.
The $100,000 payment requirement, which applies to certain H-1B visa petitions, will disproportionately affect smaller firms that may reconsider visa sponsorships due to increased costs, according to Congress. The party warned that the measure could accelerate a talent exodus, with more Indian professionals gravitating toward alternative destinations including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
Congress raised concerns about potential economic ramifications for India itself. The party cautioned that reduced migration to the United States could eventually translate into lower remittance flows back to Indian households, affecting families dependent on foreign income. "Modi bent over backwards to appease Trump. Trump got the appeasement. India took the humiliation and the hit," Khera stated.
The White House confirmed that the Trump administration had extended by twelve months the requirement for the elevated H-1B visa petition fee, which targets employers seeking to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.