H-1B Visa Fears Prompt $8,000 Flight Scramble
A man spent over $8,000 on flights to return to the United States after concerns about a new visa fee policy led him to cut short his trip to India. Rohan Mehta, who wishes to remain anonymous, was among those affected by President Donald Trump's executive order adding a one-time $100,000 fee for applicants to the H-1B visa program.
Mehta had been in Nagpur, India, for his father's anniversary when he decided to return to the US ahead of the policy's implementation on Sunday. The White House later clarified that the fee would not apply to current visa holders, but Mehta and others had already made arrangements to return.
"I was worried about the impact on my family and our business," Mehta said in an interview. "I didn't want to risk being stuck outside the US with a new policy that could have affected our livelihood."
The H-1B visa program allows skilled foreign workers to work in the US, with over 70% of the 85,000 visas issued each year going to Indian nationals. Companies and immigration lawyers had advised those on the H-1B visa who were outside the US to return before the order came into force.
"This policy change was a surprise to many," said David Hering, an immigration lawyer based in New York. "We advise our clients to err on the side of caution when it comes to these types of changes."
The executive order was signed by President Trump on Friday, and the White House clarified its position on X (formerly Twitter) by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, for some like Mehta, the clarification came too late.
"We understand that this change may have caused confusion and concern for those affected," said a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security. "We are working to ensure that our policies are clear and communicated effectively."
The policy change has sparked debate among lawmakers and immigration advocates. Some argue that the fee will deter companies from hiring foreign workers, while others see it as a necessary step to protect American jobs.
As the situation continues to unfold, Mehta is relieved to be back in the US but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the new policy.
"I'm just glad I made it back," he said. "But now we wait and see what happens next."
*Reporting by Bbc.*
