$100K Price For H1-B Visa: 'American Dream' Too Costly?

The U.S. has imposed a US$100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa sponsorships, prompting the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to warn of potential "humanitarian consequences" for affected families and to study the broader implications. Indian IT firms, which employ a large share of H-1B holders, face significant margin pressure, operational disruption, and the urgent need to rethink delivery models, while professionals may confront relocation, career uncertainty, and financial strain. The move also raises broader questions about U.S.-India talent mobility, bilateral relations, and the resilience of India's tech ecosystem. The big question now is whether India and its tech industry can pivot quickly to mitigate human and economic fallout, diversify global operations, and turn this disruption into an opportunity, or whether the sudden cost will lead to lost talent and strategic setbacks.