Trump Project Firewall H-1B Visa Costs Soar Work Permits for Indians Potentially Hit Hard

Trump Project Firewall H-1B Visa Costs Soar Work Permits for Indians Potentially Hit Hard

Last Updated Sep - 20 - 2025, 11:01 AM | Source : Fela News

New US immigration crackdown raises fees scrutiny on H-1B visas could adversely affect Indian workers.

The United States under President Donald Trump have launched a major immigration enforcement drive called Project Firewall, aimed to curb misuse of the H-1B visa program. Prompted by his “America First” agenda, this initiative is design to tighten oversight of employer who hire foreign skilled worker, especially in technology sector, and ensure compliance with wage and hiring rule.

A key component is a newly impose US Dollars 100,000 annual fee on every H-1B petition—part of broader effort to make the visa more costly and restrictive. The Department of Labor will takes direct oversight of investigation into companies suspected of abusing H-1B rule, with possible action including repayment of back wage, civil penalty, and debar from future visa programs.

The crackdown are significant because Indian nationals account for about 71% of all H-1B visa recipient, making them disproportionate affected. Heighten cost, delay, and compliance burden could impact both tech companies in the US and overseas firm relying on Indian talent.

Other element: multi-agency coordination for enforcement, more rigorous documentations, possible legal challenge, along with concern that this could worsen talent shortage in fields like AI, semiconductor, and advance tech. While official claim the policy protect American worker, critic argue that it may stifle innovation, increase operation cost, and disadvantage Indian IT professional who long used the H-1B visa pathway.

Overall, Project Firewall represent a sharply more restrictive stance toward high-skill immigration, with financial, procedure, and legal implication that may reshape how foreign talent, especially from India, can access US work opportunity.

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