Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Prompts Indian Students to Seek Alternatives to U.S.

Indian Students Reconsider the American Dream Amidst U.S. Visa Restrictions

Rising U.S. visa restrictions and policy unpredictability, particularly concerning the H-1B visa, are causing many Indian students to rethink their plans for higher education and careers in the United States. The "American dream" is turning sour for thousands who once saw it as a gateway to world-class education and lucrative careers.

The Impact of Trump's H-1B Visa Policies

The policies of former President Donald Trump, including a proposed increase in H-1B visa application costs to $100,000, have created uncertainty for Indian students and their families. For example, Paridhi Upadhaya, who had secured a computer science scholarship in the U.S., had her plans scrapped due to the policy changes.

"Trump’s unending onslaught against immigrants is forcing us to consider other destinations for her," said Rudar Pratap, Upadhaya's father.

H-1B Visa: A Closing Gateway?

For decades, the H-1B visa has been a critical pathway for young engineers and scientists from countries like India and China to secure high-paying jobs and potential permanent residency in the U.S. While supporters emphasize the visa's role in attracting vital talent, critics, including Trump, argue that it suppresses wages and displaces qualified U.S. workers. The visa program was used by many high-profile Indian CEOs like Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Arvind Krishna (IBM) and Sundar Pichai (Alphabet/Google).

Looking Beyond America: Alternative Destinations

As the U.S. becomes less appealing, Indian students are exploring other immigrant-friendly destinations such as the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Education consultants report a rise in inquiries about these countries, with students prioritizing "return on investment". Some overseas education consultancies are reassuring students that the order may face legal hurdles.

• UK: Popular for its established education system.
• Australia: Attracts students with a high quality of life and robust job market.
• Ireland: Offers opportunities in technology and pharmaceuticals.

China and Germany: Actively Seeking Global Talent

While the U.S. is tightening its borders, countries like China and Germany are actively seeking to attract foreign talent. Germany promotes its stable and predictable migration policies, while China is offering new visa categories and hosting job fairs targeted at overseas talent. Cities such as Jinan and Nanjing recently hosted large job fairs, showcasing thousands of employers and job opportunities.

Deepa Ollapally, a research professor at George Washington University, suggests that these policies could ultimately be detrimental to the U.S. by driving talent elsewhere.