Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress leader, has voiced strong opinions regarding the recent hike in H-1B visa fees implemented by the Trump administration, arguing that it is primarily motivated by domestic politics within the United States. According to Tharoor, this move is an attempt by former President Trump to consolidate support from his anti-immigration base, particularly his "MAGA" supporters. Effective September 21, 2025, new applicants for the H-1B visa now face a one-time fee of $100,000.
The H-1B visa program, established in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, was designed to enable U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. These visas are typically granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for up to six years. The program has been particularly popular among technology companies seeking skilled workers in fields such as IT, healthcare, and engineering. However, the Trump administration has argued that the program has been subject to widespread misuse, leading to the replacement of American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, especially in the IT sector.
Tharoor contends that the increased fee is intended to make lower and mid-level jobs unviable for foreign workers, reserving visas for top-tier talent. He suggests that Trump's administration believes that the H-1B program has allowed companies to bypass American workers who deserve higher salaries by hiring Indian professionals willing to accept lower wages. He illustrated this point by saying that, in the eyes of Trump's supporters, an Indian tech worker who accepts $60,000 annually is taking a job away from an American who would not work for less than $85,000 or $90,000 a year.
However, Tharoor questions the logic behind this approach, suggesting that it may lead to unintended consequences. He posits that companies may opt to outsource jobs to India or other global centers, allowing Indian tech professionals to perform the same work from their home country without the need for an H-1B visa. This could reshape the landscape for Indian tech professionals aspiring to work in the United States. Additionally, Tharoor pointed out that Trump's assumption that denying jobs to Indians would automatically lead to American citizens filling those positions requires America to have an adequate pool of qualified individuals, which he doubts exists.
The decision to impose the $100,000 fee has triggered concerns within the Indian community in the U.S., as Indians constitute a significant portion of H-1B visa holders. The fee hike is particularly concerning for smaller technology firms and startups that may find it difficult to afford the increased costs.
The Trump administration's actions have sparked confusion and uncertainty among immigrant workers and their employers. The White House has clarified that the new fee applies only to new visa applications and does not affect existing H-1B holders or those seeking renewals. Despite these clarifications, some immigration attorneys note that gray areas remain, especially for current H-1B holders.
In addition to the fee hike, the Trump administration has proposed changes to the H-1B visa selection process, moving away from the current random lottery system to a weighted selection process that favors higher-skilled and better-paid workers. This proposal aims to protect American workers from unfair wage competition from foreign employees.
Shashi Tharoor has also voiced concerns about the silence of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. regarding issues impacting India, such as H-1B visa restrictions and trade tariffs. He has urged the community to speak out and engage more actively to influence policy changes in Washington. Despite these challenges, Tharoor remains optimistic about the long-term interests of both India and the U.S., expressing confidence that the relationship will eventually return to an even keel.
