How One Man Spent $8,000 on Flights to Return to the U.S. Amid H-1B Visa Worries

Rohan Mehta, a software professional from the US, faced a stressful situation recently. He had spent over $8,000 on flights to get back home from Nagpur, India. His father had just passed away, and he was there for the memorial. But then, he learned about a new fee that could affect his work visa.

On September 20, 2023, President Trump signed an executive order adding a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants. This shocked many, especially those like Rohan who were outside the US. Business owners and immigration lawyers had already warned workers to return home before the order took effect.

The confusion escalated quickly. Just a day after signing the order, the White House clarified that the fee would only apply to new visa applications and not to those who already held a visa. However, by then, many like Rohan had already changed their travel plans due to fear of being unable to return.

The H-1B visa program is crucial for skilled foreign workers, especially those from India. In fact, over 70% of the 85,000 visas issued annually go to Indian nationals. This program allows companies to hire professionals in specialized fields. In the past fiscal year, major companies like Amazon and Microsoft were the largest recipients of H-1B visas, benefiting immensely from this talent pool.

Rohan’s experience highlights the stress many visa holders face. He said the last few days were traumatic. “I’ve devoted so much of my life to working in the US, and now I feel unwelcome,” he shared. Many years were invested in his career there, and he worries about uprooting his family.

Others in similar situations have expressed concern online. Social media is buzzing with uncertainty. Some users are discussing how this new fee might impact job opportunities and immigration policies moving forward.

The complexity of these changes is still being understood. Immigration lawyers are advising visa holders to pay close attention to any new developments. There is a general sense of confusion, with many still unsure about how this will specifically affect their situations.

Communication from the White House, including tweets from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, aimed to clarify these issues. She reassured current H-1B holders that they would not be charged the new fee upon re-entry. However, the initial anxiety and rush to return home remained fresh in the minds of many who heard the news.

As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about the future of skilled workers in the US. How will this fee influence the job market and the decisions of companies looking to hire? It’s a developing story worth following, as it directly impacts thousands of families and their livelihoods.

For those interested in understanding more about the H-1B program and its implications, you can find detailed statistics and insights from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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