Overview

• USCIS and the White House said the proclamation is prospective, excludes renewals and existing visas, and imposes a single payment on new petitions.
• Confusion after Friday’s announcement caused travel disruptions, including a three-hour delay to an Emirates flight at San Francisco, before the clarification was issued.
• Nasscom said uncertainty has eased and forecast only a marginal sector impact as Indian IT firms step up US hiring and skilling and have already reduced H‑1B reliance.
• A Financial Times analysis cited by media estimated employer costs could reach roughly $14 billion a year, and lawyers say legal challenges are under consideration.
• Indian nationals receive over 70% of H‑1B approvals, and New Delhi warned of humanitarian strain on families even as industry prepares mitigation plans.