Twenty US states have sued the Trump administration over a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it illegal and harmful to public services. The states say the move worsens labour shortages in education and healthcare.
US President Donald Trump called it a “shame” that top graduates from India, China and other countries must leave the US after studying at elite universities, as he launched the $1 million ‘Trump Gold Card’ offering companies a powerful new pathway to retain foreign talent.
US President Donald Trump has announced a high-value “Trump Gold Card” programme to help American companies retain top foreign graduates from US universities, including thousands from India. The scheme offers long-term residency, a path to citizenship and aims to boost tech competitiveness.
The US has revoked 85,000 visas this year across multiple categories, including over 8,000 student visas, citing DUIs, assaults and theft as key reasons. Officials said stricter vetting will continue, especially for applicants from high-risk environments such as Afghanistan.
US Senator Ruben Gallego has urged stricter oversight of the H-1B visa programme, warning that major US tech firms are laying off domestic workers while hiring thousands of foreign professionals. The move could impact Indian engineers, who form the largest H-1B beneficiary group.
The Trump administration has halted immigration applications — including green cards and naturalisations — for migrants from 19 travel-ban countries, citing national security concerns after a National Guard troop was killed near the White House. USCIS will re-review all cases dating back to January 2021.
US President Donald Trump said he will welcome skilled immigrants to help train American workers in advanced manufacturing, arguing that the US lacks certain specialised talents. He acknowledged criticism from his conservative base but insisted such visas are essential for complex chip, electronics and missile production.
President Trump defends H-1B visas, citing the need for skilled foreign workers to train Americans in key industries. His stance faces Republican opposition and legal challenges, while the administration enforces stricter rules to prevent abuse of the programme.
From building railroads in the 19th century to running Silicon Valley today, immigrants power America, but the H-1B visa fee hike may choke its economy
Trump’s immigration policies, including visa restrictions and heightened scrutiny, have caused a sharp decline in international student enrolment at US universities. Colleges, particularly those with small endowments, are facing severe financial strain, with some raising tuition and cutting staff
