🚨 Major Policy Shift Threatens Foreign Workers in the U.S.

In a significant turn of events, leading tech companies like 💻 Microsoft, 📦 Amazon, and 💼 JP Morgan have urgently advised their employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the U.S. by September 21, 2025, 12:01 AM Eastern Time. This is in response to a dramatic new executive order announced by the Trump administration.

This executive order imposes a colossal annual fee of $100,000 for companies employing H-1B visa holders, a sharp increase from the previous $1,500. The H-1B visa is pivotal for foreign workers in fields like technology, while H-4 visas are granted to the spouses and children of H-1B visa holders.

💥 Trump’s Executive Order: A Bold Move

On September 20, 2025, President Trump’s administration rolled out an executive order aimed at reforming the H-1B visa program. The measure targets what the administration describes as "systemic abuse" of the system and raises the fee for each H-1B visa from $1,500 to $100,000 annually.

  • 🛑 The goal: To make it more difficult for companies to hire foreign workers under this visa.

  • ⚠️ The argument: The program has been exploited to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor.

The new rule is designed to tackle this issue head-on, though it’s causing waves across multiple industries, particularly tech, where foreign workers make up a significant portion of the workforce.

💼 Tech Giants React: "Return to U.S. Before Deadline"

  • 📩 Amazon: All employees with H-1B and H-4 visas must return to the U.S. by September 21, 2025 to avoid the new fee.

  • 🖥 Microsoft: Urges H-1B visa holders to stay in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. Advises against international travel until new regulations are clarified.

  • 🏦 JP Morgan: Warns employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the U.S. or return before the deadline to avoid complications.

🇮🇳 India’s Share in the H-1B Program

India has a significant stake in the H-1B visa program. Data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that 72% of all H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023 were awarded to Indian nationals.

With the new $100,000 fee, Indian IT professionals—who are a vital part of the U.S. tech sector—now face uncertainty. This drastic increase in fees could hurt both employees and employers alike.

💬 Political Backlash: A Heated Debate

The decision has ignited a fierce debate in U.S. politics.

  • 💬 Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Democratic representative, strongly condemned the move, calling it a "reckless attempt" to cut off America from skilled workers.

  • 📉 Critics argue that this policy will hurt innovation and economic growth in key industries that depend on foreign talent.

  • Supporters of the new regulations claim the move is necessary to prevent wage suppression and ensure U.S. workers are prioritized in the job market.

⏳ What’s Next for H-1B Visa Holders?

As the deadline looms, H-1B visa holders are urged to take swift action:

  1. 🛫 Return to the U.S. before the September 21 deadline.

  2. 📜 Wait for further clarification from the government on travel restrictions and future regulations.

⚖️ Conclusion: A New Chapter for H-1B Visas

This new executive order marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. immigration system, potentially transforming the future of skilled foreign workers in the country.

While the $100,000 fee is expected to deter some companies from hiring foreign workers, it remains to be seen how this policy will impact industries heavily dependent on H-1B visa holders, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors.

👉 Follow me for more latest updates and insights 👍

Thankyou 🙏