President Donald Trump’s proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has sent shockwaves through U.S. businesses, technology firms, and educational institutions. The new fee, effective from September 21, 2025, aims to curb what the administration views as exploitation of the visa program. The move has caused widespread confusion and concern among companies reliant on foreign talent, with major employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google advising their employees to avoid foreign travel. The White House clarified the fee applies only to new applications, not renewals or current holders. Several legal experts question the administration’s authority to impose this significant cost without Congressional approval, and litigation appears imminent. The policy disproportionately affects Indian IT firms and international students relying on the program, complicating U.S.-India relations. Key voices emphasize the program’s role in fueling innovation and warn of disruptions to academic research, university operations, and corporate competitiveness nationwide.