Indians are central to US leadership in IT, AI”: American lawmakers press Trump to expand, not limit H-1B Visa

Major Changes in US Impacting H-1 B Workers

Check the major changes introduced by Trump's administration that affect international students looking for H1B sponsorships and the ones who are already on this visa.

• $100,000 H-1B fee: The Trump administration introduced a massive fee for new overseas H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025 where employers and lawmakers say it will chill hiring.

• Congressional pushback: Several US legislators sent urgent letters asking the president to withdraw or soften the fee, arguing Indian talent is vital to AI and IT leadership.

• Legal & business fights: The US Chamber of Commerce and industry groups have challenged the fee in court and warned of harm to companies.

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Impact of US Immigration Changes: Quick Overview

Check the table below to understand that with the implementation of such immigration changes in US, who will be affected and what you need to expect:

American lawmakers' Statement On Indians is central to US leadership in IT

“Cut H-1B cuts US leadership”, that’s the simple, sharp message from lawmakers who say Indian professionals are the backbone of American programs in AI, cloud, and software. They argue the $100k fee and stricter rules will push talent away and hurt competitiveness. That’s the flame Congress is fanning, and it’s getting headlines.

What this means for Indian students & recent graduates

• OPT & STEM students: Work-authorisation rules have tightened across 2025, including new vetting practices and changes to EAD renewals. This means more attention to timing and paperwork for F-1 students. Plan backup options now.

• Job-hunt pressure: If H-1B channels narrow or get pricier, competition for employer-sponsored roles will intensify, internships and employer connections matter more than ever.

The big “what if” could this end US-India tech partnerships?

Yes, if the fee and other restrictions stay. Lawmakers and major industry groups warn of strained ties, lost investments, and fewer collaborative AI projects. That’s why Congress is pressing to expand H-1B access, not shrink it. The stakes: national security, economic growth and AI leadership.

Checklist: What Indian Tech Workers And Students Must Do?

Check the points below to understand what you need to do now with the changes happening in US immigration:

• Lock in job offers early and get clear timelines from employers about H-1B sponsorship.

• Document everything: maintain clean transcripts, pay stubs, and legal advice for visa filings and OPT/ STEM OPT work authorisation.

• Watch legal and White House updates, the fee’s scope could be narrowed (e.g., applied only to new overseas petitions) or paused by courts.

Conclusion

India supplies a huge share of H-1B talent that powers American IT and AI. Lawmakers say blocking that pipeline with a huge fee or by tightening student-to-work pathways risks the very leadership the US wants to protect — so watch for political and legal shifts over the next months. If you’re an Indian student or tech pro, tighten your job strategy and keep legal counsel handy.