'Likely to have humanitarian consequences': India warns Trump’s $100k H-1B visa fee hike may hit families

India on Saturday raised concerns over Donald Trump’s decision to hike H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 annually, warning the move could disrupt families. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the implications of the measure are being studied and expressed hope that US authorities would address the issue.

The MEA said, “The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program.” It further warned the step is “likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.”

Trump signed the proclamation on Friday, calling the H-1B visa program a “national security threat.” He defended the hike, saying, “We need workers. We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that that’s what’s going to happen.”

The ministry also highlighted that skilled mobility has greatly benefited both nations, boosting innovation, economic growth and people-to-people ties. “Industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward,” it noted.

White House staff secretary Will Scharf said the visa program is one of the “most abused” in the US, adding, “This will ensure that the people they’re bringing in are actually very highly skilled and that they’re not replaceable by American workers.”

The H-1B visa, widely used by Indian tech professionals, is valid for three years and can be extended once.