H-1B visa holders from India and China experienced widespread panic after President Trump announced new visa fees as part of his immigration restrictions. Workers abandoned vacations and frantically returned to the United States before a Sunday deadline. Tech companies and financial institutions issued emergency notifications directing employees to come back immediately.
Multiple incidents occurred at airports where passengers demanded to exit flights after learning about the policy changes. An Emirates flight from San Francisco faced delays when several Indian nationals left the aircraft. Workers described the situation as forcing them to choose between family obligations and their American employment.
The White House later clarified that existing visa holders would not face restrictions, only new applicants. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick initially stated companies would pay annual fees of $100,000 per H-1B worker. However, officials corrected this figure as a one-time payment rather than yearly charges. Social media platforms filled with accounts of workers rushing back from international trips.
Multiple incidents occurred at airports where passengers demanded to exit flights after learning about the policy changes. An Emirates flight from San Francisco faced delays when several Indian nationals left the aircraft. Workers described the situation as forcing them to choose between family obligations and their American employment.
The White House later clarified that existing visa holders would not face restrictions, only new applicants. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick initially stated companies would pay annual fees of $100,000 per H-1B worker. However, officials corrected this figure as a one-time payment rather than yearly charges. Social media platforms filled with accounts of workers rushing back from international trips.
