In a sweeping move aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 (?88 lakh) fee on H-1B visa applications. The administration says the measure will ensure only “highly skilled” workers enter the U.S., though critics warn it could devastate the technology sector, which depends heavily on Indian and Chinese professionals.

“The H-1B program is among the most abused visa categories,” said White House staff secretary Will Scharf. “By raising the cost, companies will think twice before bringing in workers who can be replaced by Americans.”

The H-1B visa, created in 1990, allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math. Indians account for 71% of all H-1B beneficiaries, with tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta securing thousands annually. Under the new rule, workers may face multiple payments across renewals, making the process prohibitively expensive.

Trump also revived his push for tougher citizenship requirements, reintroducing a rigorous test covering 128 questions on U.S. history and politics. Applicants must correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions orally.

Additionally, the president announced a new “Gold Card” visa program—priced at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses—designed to attract “extraordinary people at the very top.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the scheme would bring in entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and wealth.

Lutnick criticized the existing employment-based green card system, arguing it admitted “bottom quartile” workers earning an average of $66,000 annually, many of whom relied on government assistance. “It was illogical,” he said.

Analysts note the changes could make U.S. immigration a privilege of the wealthy, forcing Indian tech talent to explore opportunities in Canada, Europe, and elsewhere

In a sweeping move aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 (?88 lakh) fee on H-1B visa applications. The administration says the measure will ensure only “highly skilled” workers enter the U.S., though critics warn it could devastate the technology sector, which depends heavily on Indian and Chinese professionals.

“The H-1B program is among the most abused visa categories,” said White House staff secretary Will Scharf. “By raising the cost, companies will think twice before bringing in workers who can be replaced by Americans.”

The H-1B visa, created in 1990, allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math. Indians account for 71% of all H-1B beneficiaries, with tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta securing thousands annually. Under the new rule, workers may face multiple payments across renewals, making the process prohibitively expensive.

Trump also revived his push for tougher citizenship requirements, reintroducing a rigorous test covering 128 questions on U.S. history and politics. Applicants must correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions orally.

Additionally, the president announced a new “Gold Card” visa program—priced at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses—designed to attract “extraordinary people at the very top.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the scheme would bring in entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and wealth.

Lutnick criticized the existing employment-based green card system, arguing it admitted “bottom quartile” workers earning an average of $66,000 annually, many of whom relied on government assistance. “It was illogical,” he said.

Analysts note the changes could make U.S. immigration a privilege of the wealthy, forcing Indian tech talent to explore opportunities in Canada, Europe, and elsewhere