Thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States are facing a wave of uncertainty following the Trump administration’s announcement of a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The proposal, initially interpreted as applicable to both fresh applications and existing visa holders, sparked widespread panic, leading many Indians to suspend or reconsider their travel plans. Flights between India and the U.S. have already seen cancellations, with airlines reporting sudden drops in bookings from H-1B workers and their families.

While U.S. authorities later clarified that the new fee applies only to fresh visa petitions and not to renewals or ongoing applications, doubts remain about how the rule will be implemented in practice. Immigration experts say the announcement has created a “chilling effect,” with many Indians choosing to delay even short visits home for fear of being caught in an evolving regulatory environment. For families separated across continents, this has brought emotional strain, with many unable to commit to travel until greater certainty emerges.

The policy has also rattled India’s technology industry, which relies heavily on H-1B visa holders working onsite in the United States. Companies are reportedly reassessing deployment strategies and preparing for additional costs if the new fee structure is extended further. Industry leaders argue that such measures could dampen the free movement of skilled talent, which has long been central to U.S.–India economic ties.

For now, legal experts and consular services are advising H-1B professionals to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely monitor updates. The development highlights the vulnerability of highly skilled workers to abrupt policy changes in Washington, underscoring the pressing need for stable and transparent visa frameworks. As the debate continues, Indian professionals remain on high alert, with their travel plans—and in many cases, personal lives—caught in the crossfire of shifting U.S. immigration politics.