Overview

• Trump’s proclamation imposes a $100,000 fee on new H‑1B applicants starting Sunday, with the White House specifying it is a single payment that does not affect renewals or current visa holders, including those re‑entering the United States.
• Confusion after initial remarks by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick prompted companies such as Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, JPMorgan and Amazon to tell H‑1B staff to stay or return, leading some travelers to cancel trips or deplane.
• India’s foreign ministry and industry group Nasscom said they are assessing the impact, noting potential business‑continuity risks for onshore projects as Indians account for roughly 71%–72% of H‑1B approvals.
• Immigration attorneys report a surge in calls and expect immediate lawsuits, with some advising that employers will reserve future H‑1B filings for only the most business‑critical roles.
• Analysts expect fewer onshore rotations and faster shifts to offshore and nearshore delivery, expanded global capability centers in India and the Americas, more U.S. local hiring and automation, and a possible reverse talent flow to India.