Overview
- Representatives Jimmy Panetta, Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, and Julie Johnson sent a letter urging the president to suspend and reconsider the proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.”
- The Sept. 19 directive imposes a one-time $100,000 charge on new H‑1B petitions along with other limits that lawmakers say would deter high‑skilled talent and weaken U.S. innovation in AI and STEM.
- The group warns the surcharge would concentrate access to the visa program among deep‑pocketed firms while pricing out startups, universities, and research institutions.
- They stress diplomatic stakes for the U.S.–India partnership, noting Indian nationals made up roughly 71% of H‑1B holders last year and are critical to technology leadership.
- The policy remains in effect as opponents seek changes, with critics pointing to operational harms for employers and research organizations.