**Trump’s New H-1B Visa Rule Sparks Chaos at US Airports**
*By Snehil Singh | September 20, 2025, 07:01 PM*
The United States is experiencing turmoil following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to raise the H-1B visa fee dramatically to $100,000 (approximately ₹88 lakh). According to 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 to any worker whose sponsoring employer has not paid the increased fee.
### Impact on Indian Tech Workers
This new rule has disproportionately affected Indian tech professionals, who constitute nearly 70% of all H-1B visa holders. The sudden change has caused significant disruptions for many working in the tech sector, leading to widespread concern and confusion.
### Surge in Flight Fares from India
In response to the announcement, flight fares between India and the US have skyrocketed. One-way tickets from New Delhi to New York’s JFK Airport have almost doubled overnight, soaring from around ₹37,000 to ₹70,000–₹80,000. Social media users have also reported exorbitant prices, with some claiming flights currently cost up to $4,500.
### Corporate Advisory: Return Immediately
Major technology companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan, have issued urgent advisories to their employees. Those presently outside the US have been advised to return immediately to avoid complications. Unfortunately, many H-1B visa holders who were on vacation or business trips in India missed the deadline, facing potentially harsh consequences.
### Chaos and Panic at Airports
The looming deadline triggered panic at US airports. Several H-1B visa holders reportedly deboarded flights after learning about the rule change. Social media accounts have described the tense scenes, including Masud Rana’s report of a three-hour delay on his Emirates flight at San Francisco airport.
Another traveler, Kaustav Majumdar, shared the disruption caused on an international flight returning Indians home for Durga Puja. Passengers panicked and disembarked upon hearing the news, creating widespread confusion.
### Social Media Reactions
Twitter has been flooded with reactions and firsthand accounts from travelers caught in the chaos, highlighting the disruption caused by the sudden policy shift at US airports.
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This new H-1B visa policy continues to unfold, with many awaiting clarifications and potential resolutions as the deadline approaches. Travelers and employers alike are bracing for the impact of this unprecedented fee hike and entry restriction.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/india-us-flight-fares-soar-after-trump-s-h-1b-visa-move/story
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