Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Outrage in Andhra Pradesh

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation to impose a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications has created a wave of protests, especially in regions like Andhra Pradesh. The new policy, aimed at curbing foreign worker reliance, has raised serious concerns in Visakhapatnam, a city known for exporting a large number of skilled professionals to the U.S.

For decades, the H-1B visa has served as a vital pathway for Indian workers, especially in tech and healthcare, to contribute to the U.S. economy. The new fee, however, is seen as an insurmountable barrier. “This fee is a direct blow to our young professionals,” says Rameshwar Rao, a Visakhapatnam-based entrepreneur. “The U.S. was once a beacon of opportunity. Now, it feels like they’re closing the door to the best and brightest.”

Many workers feel betrayed by the new regulations. “We’ve spent years training, gaining skills, and now we’re being asked to pay a huge price just for a chance to work in the U.S.,” says Surya, an IT professional from Visakhapatnam. “It’s unfair and it will hurt India’s tech growth.”

Critics argue that the fee will not only harm workers but will also negatively affect U.S. businesses. “The U.S. needs talent from India to stay competitive,” says Ravi, a software developer who has closely followed U.S. immigration policies. “This new fee will make it harder and more expensive for companies to hire the workers they need, especially in sectors already facing labor shortages.”

Industry leaders from Visakhapatnam are also voicing their concerns. “This move is a setback for both the U.S. and India,” says an industry veteran. “India has been sending skilled workers to the U.S. for years. Now, these new regulations are sending the wrong message. Foreign talent is no longer welcome.”

The long-term effects of the policy are also worrisome. “The U.S. has benefited from foreign talent for decades. If this fee remains, that flow will slow down,” says Suresh, a senior executive in the tech sector. “It will make the U.S. less attractive, and we’ll have to explore other options.”

There’s also growing frustration with the rationale behind the changes. The Trump administration claims the policy will protect American workers. “That argument doesn’t hold up,” says another tech professional from Visakhapatnam. “The U.S. needs foreign workers to thrive. This policy will hurt innovation and growth, both for U.S. companies and for professionals like us.”

The protests aren’t just about the immediate impact. Many are questioning the future of global collaboration. “The U.S. has always been a land of opportunity,” says Karthik, a young entrepreneur. “But with policies like this, how can we trust the American dream? It feels like we’re being pushed out.”

In Visakhapatnam, the sense of loss is palpable. Many see this move as an obstacle to their aspirations. “My son has always dreamed of working in Silicon Valley. Now, that dream feels out of reach,” says a concerned parent. “This is more than just about visas. It’s about crushing dreams.”

The policy’s long-term consequences are still unclear. U.S. businesses in tech and healthcare may face a talent shortage, while professionals in Andhra Pradesh may look to other countries for opportunities. “This policy is a setback for U.S. businesses and global talent,” says an industry leader from Visakhapatnam.

As the situation unfolds, the world will be watching closely. One thing is certain—Andhra Pradesh, and Visakhapatnam in particular, are speaking out loud and clear. Their contributions to the global workforce cannot be ignored.