economy
How the White House's $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting America's ability to attract global talent
Hyderabad, India — The city of Hyderabad has been called the Silicon Valley of India.
TL;DR
- Hyderabad, India, known as its Silicon Valley, is a hub for tech talent with companies like Google and Facebook present.
- A new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, announced by the Trump administration in September 2025, aims to protect American jobs but impacts foreign workers.
- Skilled workers in Hyderabad, who previously sought U.S. opportunities, are now considering moving to countries like Canada and Australia due to the increased visa cost.
- Experts believe the fee is America's loss, as Indian talent has significantly fueled the U.S. IT sector.
- Over 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian, highlighting their crucial role in modern industries.
- President Trump acknowledged the need to bring in talent, even admitting the U.S. lacks certain specialized skills.
- The new policy is expected to threaten U.S. innovation as Indians may choose to stay and build in India.
- Countries like Canada, China, and Australia are actively working to attract skilled foreign workers with easier visa processes.