Overview

• The White House clarified the $100,000 charge is a one-time fee that applies only to new H‑1B petitions.
• A DHS note indicates proposals for December publication that would tighten cap‑exemption eligibility, increase scrutiny of employers with past violations, and police third‑party placements.
• A viral TikTok showed passengers deplaning after the announcement as reports described H‑1B workers and families rushing to return to the U.S. to avoid being stranded.
• Analysts warn of broader workforce effects beyond tech, with about a third of H‑1B holders in healthcare, education, religious services, and academia, according to a lawsuit challenging the changes.
• More than 70% of new H‑1B approvals go to Indian professionals and about 10% to Chinese nationals, highlighting who could be most affected.