**Trump’s New H-1B Visa Rule Causes Chaos at US Airports**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 20, 2025, 07:01 PM*
The United States has been thrown into turmoil following President Donald Trump’s abrupt announcement to raise the H-1B visa fee to an unprecedented $100,000 (approximately 88 lakh INR). Under the new regulation, all H-1B visa holders must enter the US before 12:01 AM EDT on September 21. After this deadline, entry will be denied unless their sponsoring employers pay the hefty fee.
### Impact on Indian Tech Professionals
This sudden policy has disproportionately affected Indian tech workers, who constitute nearly 70% of all H-1B visa holders. The looming deadline has sparked panic, especially among those currently traveling or on vacation outside the US.
### Flight Fares Skyrocket in India
Following the announcement, numerous reports emerged of soaring flight fares from India to the US. One-way tickets from New Delhi to New York’s JFK Airport surged from about ₹37,000 to between ₹70,000 and ₹80,000 within hours. Social media users have highlighted exorbitant flight prices, with one tweet stating that flights from New Delhi to New York City are currently as high as $4,500.
### Corporate Advisories and Employee Responses
Major tech giants including Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan have quickly responded to the situation by advising their H-1B visa employees not to leave the US. Employees who are currently abroad have been urged to return immediately to avoid being stranded outside the country.
Unfortunately, many Indian visa holders on business trips or vacations have already missed the entry deadline, complicating their return plans.
### Chaos at US Airports
The deadline’s approach has triggered chaos and confusion at several US airports. Multiple reports described passengers panicking upon learning of the new rule. Some H-1B visa holders reportedly deboarded flights mid-air or at the gates to avoid being denied entry.
Masud Rana, travelling on an Emirates flight to San Francisco, shared on social media that his flight was delayed for over three hours due to the ongoing disruptions. Similarly, Kaustav Majumdar recounted how an international flight filled with Indians returning for Durga Puja was disrupted after passengers panicked and left the plane after hearing about the new visa restrictions.
### Social Media Reaction
The sudden policy change and ensuing airport chaos have sparked widespread discussion on platforms like Twitter, with many users expressing frustration, confusion, and concern for those affected.
—
As the situation unfolds, visa holders and employers alike are scrambling to adjust to the new regulations, while the ripple effects continue to unsettle travel and tech communities worldwide.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/india-us-flight-fares-soar-after-trump-s-h-1b-visa-move/story
About the Author
