Washington: The Donald Trump administration is considering a proposal that could require international students to pay a $100,000 fee if they want to work in the United States after graduating from an American university, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The proposal could have a major impact on foreign students, particularly Indians, who form one of the largest international student communities in the US. More than 360,000 Indian students could potentially be affected if the measure is introduced in a form that applies broadly to international graduates. The proposed charge is reportedly being considered in connection with the Optional Practical Training, or OPT, programme, which allows eligible international students to remain in the US and gain work experience related to their field of study after completing their education. Depending on their course and eligibility, students can currently work under the programme for between one and three years.

According to the report, the proposal is being considered by the US Department of Homeland Security, but several important details remain unclear. There is no confirmation yet on whether the White House has formally backed the plan, and it is also unclear exactly which international graduates would be required to pay the proposed $100,000 fee. The plan, therefore, remains under consideration rather than an implemented policy. If introduced, however, such a large charge could significantly change the financial calculation for students planning to study and later work in America. International students already spend substantial amounts on university tuition, accommodation, insurance and other living expenses. Adding a six-figure employment-related fee could make the post-study work route difficult to afford for many graduates. The OPT programme has been particularly important for students who want to gain professional experience in the US before moving to another immigration status or returning to their home countries.

Indian students could be among those watching the development most closely. With more than 360,000 Indians studying in the United States, any major change to post-graduation employment rules could have wide consequences for students and families planning education abroad. The impact would ultimately depend on the final structure of the proposal, including whether the fee applies to all OPT participants, particular categories of graduates, employers or another group. Those details have not yet been made clear in the reported proposal. For now, students considering US universities should note that the $100,000 OPT fee has not been introduced and remains a proposal reportedly under consideration at the Department of Homeland Security. A final decision, the categories covered and any implementation timeline would need to become clear before its actual impact on Indian and other international students can be assessed.

The United States is preparing for a fresh wave of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, with nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians reportedly among those facing deportation. The proposed crackdown is expected to rely once again on military aircraft for deportation flights, a practice that drew widespread attention after Indian migrants were flown back to Amritsar in handcuffs and shackles in February 2025.

The latest move has heightened anxiety within the Indian diaspora, particularly among undocumented migrants living across states such as New York, Texas, California, and New Jersey, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified raids and detention operations.

Thousands of Indians Could Face Removal

According to reports, nearly 18,000 undocumented Indian nationals have been identified for possible deportation as part of the administration's expanded immigration enforcement strategy.

Many of those detained may have limited opportunities to challenge deportation orders, with immigration lawyers claiming that some migrants are being transferred directly to detention centres instead of receiving traditional immigration hearings.

The development marks a significant escalation in the US government's efforts to curb illegal immigration and is expected to affect thousands of Indian families living without legal status.

New Detention Centres Set Up

To support the large-scale deportation campaign, the Trump administration has reportedly established two new detention centres by converting warehouses in El Paso, Texas, and California.

The facilities, developed at an estimated cost of ₹16,500 crore, have been handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports indicate that around 12,000 migrants are currently being housed in these detention centres while awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation.

Officials have not yet released a detailed timeline for the next phase of removals.

Lawyers Raise Due Process Concerns

Immigration attorneys have expressed concern over what they describe as a shift in enforcement practices.

Veteran New York-based immigration lawyer Greg Siskind said undocumented migrants previously had opportunities to present their cases before immigration authorities. However, he claimed that recent ICE operations have resulted in many detainees being transferred directly to detention facilities with limited access to legal proceedings.

He also noted that while human rights protections vary across different US states, ICE possesses federal authority to conduct immigration operations nationwide.

Immigration experts say the legal situation may differ depending on each individual's immigration status, prior court orders, and eligibility for relief under US immigration law.

Previous Deportations Sparked Controversy

The proposed deportation drive follows similar actions carried out in 2025, when the United States deported 3,567 Indian nationals, according to figures shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The ministry also stated that 1,076 Indian citizens had been deported by June 2026.

One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred on 5 February 2025, when 104 Indian migrants arrived in Amritsar aboard a US military aircraft. Images showing deportees wearing handcuffs and leg shackles triggered widespread political criticism in India and prompted heated debates in Parliament over the treatment of Indian citizens during deportation.

Impact on Indian Community

The latest enforcement measures have created uncertainty among undocumented Indians living in the United States. Many families fear detention, separation, and forced return after spending years working and living in the country.

Immigration advocates have urged affected individuals to seek legal advice wherever possible and remain informed about their rights under US immigration law. At the same time, community organizations continue to monitor developments as the administration prepares for what could become one of the largest deportation campaigns involving Indian nationals.

With immigration expected to remain a central issue in US domestic politics, the proposed deportation drive is likely to attract close attention from both New Delhi and Washington in the coming months.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated that highly skilled Indian professionals will continue to find opportunities in the United States, underlining the strong people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries.

Speaking during a joint press interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, Trump described India as a nation of “very talented people” and said that highly skilled Indians would receive more opportunities in the United States.

The remarks came in response to a question regarding skilled immigration and employment opportunities for Indian professionals in America. Trump emphasized the close relationship between the two nations and noted that India and the United States share strong economic and strategic interests.

Focus on Skilled Talent

Trump’s statement holds particular significance because Indian nationals account for the largest share of approvals under the H-1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare and scientific research.

The comments also come shortly after legal developments in the United States related to skilled immigration. A proposal that would have imposed a substantial federal fee on companies employing H-1B visa holders faced opposition from technology firms and immigrant communities and was ultimately struck down by the US Supreme Court.

Industry observers believe any change in US immigration policy directly affects Indian professionals, given the large number of Indians employed in the American technology sector and multinational corporations.

Trade Talks Also Advance

During the interaction, Trump also spoke positively about India-US trade relations. He indicated that both countries are moving closer to a trade agreement and suggested that discussions between officials have made considerable progress.

The US President praised Prime Minister Modi’s negotiating abilities, describing him as one of the toughest negotiators he has encountered. The remarks reflected the growing engagement between the two countries on trade, investment, technology and strategic cooperation.

Importance for Indian Professionals

For Indian students and professionals seeking careers abroad, Trump's statement is likely to be viewed as an encouraging signal. The United States remains one of the most preferred destinations for Indian talent, particularly in sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, finance and research.

Experts note that while Trump's comments indicate a positive outlook toward highly skilled workers, future immigration policies will ultimately depend on legislative decisions and administrative measures taken by the US government.

Growing Strategic Partnership

The latest interaction between Modi and Trump comes amid expanding cooperation in defence, technology, energy and supply chains. Both countries have increasingly emphasized innovation, digital transformation and talent mobility as key pillars of their bilateral relationship.

As discussions continue on trade and economic cooperation, skilled Indian professionals are expected to remain an important bridge connecting the world's two largest democracies.

The proposed H-1B visa fee would have significantly increased costs for employers and applicants. The court ruling is expected to benefit Indian professionals, who account for nearly 70% of approved H-1B work visas.

A United States federal court has struck down former President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, delivering a significant legal setback to the administration’s immigration agenda and offering relief to thousands of Indian professionals seeking employment opportunities in the country.

In a ruling issued on Monday, US District Judge Leo Sorokin held that the President did not possess the legal authority to introduce such a fee without approval from Congress. The decision effectively blocks a measure that would have dramatically increased the cost of hiring foreign skilled workers under the H-1B visa programme.

Court Questions Presidential Authority

In his 42-page judgment, Judge Sorokin concluded that the proposed fee amounted to a tax rather than a routine administrative charge. Under the US Constitution, the power to levy taxes rests with Congress unless lawmakers specifically delegate such authority.

The court found no provision in existing immigration laws that would allow the executive branch to unilaterally impose a fee of this magnitude on H-1B petitions.

“The President had no power or delegated authority to impose a tax on H-1B petitions,” the judge stated while rejecting the administration’s interpretation of federal immigration statutes.

The ruling reinforces the limits of presidential authority in matters involving taxation and immigration policy, areas where congressional approval remains central.

Legal Challenge by States

The lawsuit was filed in December by a coalition of Democratic attorneys general led by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The states argued that the administration had exceeded its powers by creating a substantial financial burden on employers and foreign workers without legislative backing.

According to court filings, the states contended that immigration policy changes of such scale require congressional action rather than executive orders or administrative directives.

Judge Sorokin largely agreed with that position, dismissing arguments that existing immigration laws granted broad enough powers to support the fee proposal.

Trump Criticises Court Decision

Reacting to the ruling, Trump criticised federal judges and accused the judiciary of obstructing his policy agenda.

“These federal judges are really giving us a hard time. It's really crazy what's going on with the court system. They're hurting our country very badly,” he said.

The administration had defended the proposal as part of broader efforts to reduce what it described as excessive dependence on foreign labour and to prioritise American workers.

Impact on Indian Professionals

The decision is particularly significant for Indian nationals, who remain the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa system.

Data from Pew Research shows that approximately 73% of approved H-1B applications in fiscal year 2023 were granted to workers born in India. Indian professionals have consistently received the majority of H-1B approvals for more than a decade, particularly in technology, engineering, finance and healthcare sectors.

Industry observers noted that the proposed $100,000 fee could have discouraged employers from sponsoring foreign workers and potentially reduced opportunities for skilled professionals seeking jobs in the United States.

The ruling removes that uncertainty, at least for now, and preserves the existing framework under which employers can continue filing H-1B petitions.

Why H-1B Matters

The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised occupations that generally require a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.

The visa is typically granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for another three years. Major technology companies, healthcare providers and engineering firms rely heavily on the programme to fill specialised positions.

Economists and business groups have long argued that access to global talent helps companies remain competitive and supports innovation across industries.

What Happens Next

While the ruling blocks the proposed fee, it does not end the broader debate surrounding the H-1B programme. Immigration policy remains a politically contentious issue in the United States, and future administrations could pursue legislative changes through Congress.

For now, however, the court’s decision ensures that employers and skilled foreign workers, particularly Indian professionals, will not face the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The judgment also serves as a reminder that major changes involving immigration-related taxation require clear congressional authorisation before they can take effect.

Over 15,000 H-1B visa holders from India left scrambling as 60-day job search clock ticks down

More than 15,000 Indian tech professionals in the United States are staring at an uncertain future after losing their jobs during the latest round of layoffs sweeping America's technology sector.

Most of these workers were on H-1B visas and now have exactly 60 days to find new employment or face deportation proceedings.

60-Day Window Creates Pressure

Under current US visa regulations, H-1B workers who lose their jobs must secure a new employer within two months to maintain legal status. Fail to find a sponsor in that window, and they have no choice but to leave the country.

Major tech firms including Meta, Amazon, and Oracle have let go of roughly 50,000 employees in recent months. Industry estimates suggest Indian nationals account for more than 15,000 of those affected.

Hiring Slowdown Adds to Crisis

What is making things worse this time around? The job market has shifted significantly.

Earlier, laid-off tech workers could expect to land new roles within weeks. But affected employees now report that hiring processes have stretched to months. Companies, meanwhile, have grown increasingly reluctant to take on visa sponsorship responsibilities.

The stricter immigration posture under the Trump administration has only deepened the uncertainty. Lower visa quotas, tighter document scrutiny, and stricter compliance checks have become the new normal.

Green Card Rules Tightened

The administration has also quietly tightened Green Card procedures. Applicants may now need to return to their home country to complete the process rather than using the "Adjustment of Status" route while remaining in the US.

For Indian professionals on temporary visas like H-1B, this change could prove particularly disruptive.

Government data shows nearly 4.99 million Green Cards were issued over the past five years. Of these, around 2.93 million went to applicants already living in the US, while 2.06 million were granted to people applying from abroad. Between 2014 and 2023, approximately 726,000 Indians received Green Cards.

Massive Backlog for Indians

The numbers reveal a stark reality. Indians now account for the largest share of the employment-based Green Card backlog in America.

According to the Cato Institute, Indian nationals make up roughly 1.1 million of the 1.8 million pending employment-based Green Card cases — about 63 per cent. For new applicants from India, the waiting period has already stretched to an estimated 10 to 15 years.

Families Under Strain

Seattle-based engineer Vikas Pathak told reporters he has applied for more than 150 positions since being laid off. But companies are taking months to complete their hiring processes, leaving workers like him vulnerable to the unforgiving 60-day visa deadline.

Bijayant Singh, originally from Bihar and now living in San Francisco, said many Indian families are living under immense strain despite appearing calm outwardly.

Concerns over children's schooling, home loan payments, and dependent visas have created quiet panic among affected households, he added. Many are now preparing backup plans in case they are forced to pack up and return to India.

JD Vance Warns of H-1B ‘Fraud’, Calls for ‘America First’ Identity

US VP emphasizes national loyalty as India-China nationals dominate 80% of visa pool; administration tightens screening rules.

United States Vice President JD Vance has flagged significant concerns regarding "widespread fraud" within the H-1B visa program, while simultaneously balancing the critique with praise for immigrants who have contributed to the American economy. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia on Tuesday, Vance asserted that the specialized work visa system only remains sustainable when beneficiaries prioritize their American identity over their country of origin.

"On one hand, there is a lot of fraud in the H-1B system, and on the other, there are people who came in and enriched the country, like my in-laws," Vance said, referencing his wife Usha Vance’s parents. He noted that while legal immigration has historically bolstered the US, new citizens bear an "obligation" to think of the American national interest first.

Massive crackdown on visa misuse

The remarks come amid an intensified crackdown by the Trump administration on legal immigration pathways. Describing H-1B abuse as a "national security threat," the White House recently implemented a staggering $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions filed for beneficiaries currently outside the United States.

The move has sent shockwaves through the Indian tech corridor, as Indian professionals consistently make up the lion's share of the H-1B pool. According to recent government data, Indian and Chinese nationals account for over 80% of all H-1B recipients, a statistic the administration is now using to justify stricter oversight and "America First" hiring mandates.

Impact on the domestic workforce

The administration has cited several corporate case studies to argue that the current system disadvantages domestic talent. Officials pointed to Microsoft, claiming over 16,000 employees were displaced following the approval of 9,000 H-1B visas in 2025. Similar claims were made regarding FedEx, where the use of the program allegedly contributed to the shuttering of over 100 facilities across the US.

"The system works only when everyone thinks of themselves as Americans," Vance reiterated, contrasting his father-in-law's integration with other instances where immigrants allegedly prioritized the interests of their home countries. He cited a specific anecdote involving a Ukrainian-American constituent to emphasize that US citizenship must mean putting America's needs above all others.

Transition to salary-driven selection

In a major structural shift, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially moved away from the traditional random lottery. Starting this April, a salary-driven selection process has been implemented to favor higher-paid, highly-skilled professionals over entry-level workers.

Under the new wage-weighted system:

• Level 4 candidates (highest paid) receive four entries in the selection pool.

• Level 1 candidates (entry-level) are restricted to a single entry.

• Employers must now provide granular, job-specific data to justify foreign hires over local candidates.

Enhanced screening and vetting

Beyond financial hurdles, the US State Department has introduced mandatory social media vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Applicants are now required to provide social media handles, which are scrutinized as part of a "continuous improvement" of security procedures.

Sources indicated that this digital vetting aims to identify potential security risks or inconsistencies in an applicant’s background. The administration maintains these measures are necessary to ensure the program serves its original purpose of bringing in "extraordinary talent" rather than simply providing low-cost labor for large corporations.

Future outlook for professionals

As the 2026 cap season begins, the landscape for Indian professionals appears increasingly restrictive. With the $100,000 fee and the new wage-based lottery, industry experts predict a sharp decline in registrations from outsourcing firms, shifting the focus toward "super-specialists" and senior executives.

While the administration insists these changes protect the American worker, critics argue they could stifle innovation by making it prohibitively expensive to attract global talent. For thousands of Indian engineers and doctors, the "American Dream" now comes with a much higher price tag and a mandatory pledge of absolute national loyalty.