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Tag: Donald Trump

  • Tata Tech Shifts Focus to US Local Hiring as Trump Tightens Immigration Policies

    In response to US President Donald Trump’s extensive immigration crackdown, Tata Technologies, an Indian provider of engineering services, announced that it will hire more locals in the US.

    In an effort to protect Americans from wage competition from overseas, the Trump administration intends to impose a high cost on companies applying for H1-B visas, which are utilised by internet giants like Amazon.com and Meta Platforms. Warren Harris, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Technologies, told Reuters on 23 October that the company will be hiring more local citizens in the US as it responds to the changes in the laws pertaining to visas.

    Tata has 12000 Employees Across the Globe

    With more than 12,000 workers worldwide, including in the US, Tata Technologies offers engineering and technology services to manufacturers of cars, aeroplanes, and heavy machinery in at least two dozen nations. According to official data, over three-fourths of those who received H-1B visas last year were from India.

    North America accounted for over a fifth of Tata Technologies’ INR 5,168 crore ($587.97 million) sales in 2024–2025; however, the Pune, India-based company does not reveal its revenue or staff count by nation. More than 70% of Tata Technologies’ employees are local citizens in China, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The company’s clients include Jaguar Land Rover, Boeing, and the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast.

    Tata Tech Under Immense Pressure Due to US Tariff Cuts

    Automotive companies suffering from the effects of US tariffs have been cutting back, putting pressure on Indian technical service providers that mostly rely on outsourcing work from corporate America. However, the CEO of Tata Technologies remains optimistic about the US.

    According to Harris, the market is still quite significant and lively. Now that its customers have adjusted to the new tariff structure, Tata does anticipate a pickup in the US during the next six to nine months. Harris added that other “targeted” acquisitions will be made by Tata Technologies in the upcoming years. Last month, the company announced plans to pay 75 million euros ($87.47 million) to acquire German peer ES-Tec Group.

    Quick Shots

    •Tata
    Technologies to hire more US locals amid President Trump’s renewed
    immigration crackdown.

    •Trump
    administration plans to increase H1-B visa costs to protect American workers,
    impacting Indian IT firms.

    •Tata
    Tech CEO & MD Warren Harris confirmed the company’s plan to boost US
    local hiring in response to new visa rules.

    •North
    America accounts for over 20% of Tata Tech’s INR 5,168 crore revenue in
    FY2024–25.

    •Over
    70% of Tata Tech’s employees in the US, UK, China, and Sweden are local
    citizens.

    •US
    tariff cuts have slowed outsourcing demand, adding pressure on Indian tech
    service firms.

  • Walmart Halts Hiring of H-1B Workers Amid New $100K Visa Requirement

    After the implementation of a new US regulation that charges a substantial $100,000 cost for each new H-1B visa petition, the US retail giant Walmart Inc. has halted making job offers to applicants who need sponsorship for an H-1B visa, Bloomberg reported on 22 October. Given the dramatic increase in the expense and complexity of employing foreign specialists, the move underscores an increasing hesitancy among major US firms.

    Walmart’s corporate positions, which normally require highly qualified workers in technology, data, and finance activities, are reportedly the main targets of the pause. Domestic and store-level operations are not expected to be affected. The business stated that while it is still dedicated to employing top people, it is approaching visa-based employment with “thoughtfulness”.

    Confusion Among Companies as Trump Hikes Visa Fees

    The ruling follows the Trump administration’s recent directive to charge new H-1B visa applicants a one-time cost of $100,000. Renewals and pending applications submitted before the announcement are exempt from the new rule, which goes into effect in late September 2025. But it has raised a lot of worries in sectors like technology and professional services that depend significantly on talent from around the world.

    The financial ramifications for Walmart are significant. It is now far more expensive to sponsor a foreign worker, which makes it less feasible for businesses to hire applicants who require new visas. The company’s action is seen by analysts as a preventative measure to evaluate the administrative and financial effects prior to resuming sponsoring activities. The wider ramifications are not limited to Walmart. It is anticipated that many US businesses, particularly in the technology industry, may evaluate or reduce their H-1B hiring plans.

    To get around the increased cost, some employers would move more jobs offshore or use remote working options, while others might favour US nationals or permanent residents. The move creates additional uncertainty for foreign experts, especially those from India, who make up the majority of those with H-1B visas. Offers of jobs that need sponsorship for a visa can now be postponed, cancelled, or reorganised. Additionally, the regulation might hasten the trend of businesses shifting back-office and technological operations to less expensive locations like Eastern Europe or India.

    Critics Vs Supporters, Who is Right?

    The $100,000 fee’s critics contend that by limiting access to international talent, it might harm US innovation and competitiveness. However, supporters see it as a way to safeguard domestic workers and make sure businesses give local hiring priority. Walmart’s suspension emphasises the immediate disruption brought about by the policy change, even though it is stated to be temporary.

    Once the rule’s long-term effects and any legal challenges are more clear, the business and other employers are anticipated to review their international recruiting practices. Foreign job seekers hoping to work in the US in the interim might have to look into other options, including remote work through foreign offices, intra-company transfers (L-1 visas), or exceptional ability visas (O-1). The case highlights a larger change in the US labour and immigration environment, where corporate employment decisions are increasingly influenced by politics, cost, and compliance.

    Quick Shots

    •Walmart
    pauses job offers for candidates needing H-1B sponsorship due to $100,000
    visa fee.

    •Trump
    administration mandates $100K one-time fee for new H-1B visas, effective late
    Sept 2025.

    •Pause
    mainly affects tech, data, and finance positions; domestic/store jobs remain
    unaffected.

    •Sponsoring foreign workers has
    become far more expensive, prompting Walmart to reassess hiring.

  • NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab to Layoff 550 Jobs in Major Restructuring

    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) announced on 12 October that it will reorganise its personnel by laying off around 550 workers, or 10% of its total workforce, in an effort to maintain the facility’s long-term competitiveness. JPL director Dave Gallagher emphasised in a statement that the changes were a part of a larger strategy to restructure the facility and had nothing to do with the present US government shutdown.

    Gallagher stated, “All the while continuing to deliver on our vital work for NASA and the nation, this week’s action is essential to securing JPL’s future by creating a leaner infrastructure, focusing on our core technical capabilities, maintaining fiscal discipline, and positioning us to compete in the evolving space ecosystem,” according to NBC News. Technical, business, and support positions throughout the Pasadena-based facility will be impacted by the layoffs. This week, each employee will receive a unique status update.

    US Administration facing Financial Crunch and Political Headwinds

    However, the centre faces political and budgetary challenges, just like NASA as a whole. As part of a larger federal effort to reduce the size of the government workforce, the agency has maintained budget and staffing cuts in recent years. For many years, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is run by the California Institute of Technology and receives federal funding from NASA, has been essential to US space exploration.

    It developed, constructed, and managed all five of the rovers that made a successful landing on Mars in addition to building the country’s first satellite, Explorer 1, which was launched in 1958. Since Donald Trump assumed office, around 4,000 NASA employees have already left the agency on deferred resignation plans, according to Reuters, reducing the agency’s 18,000-person workforce by nearly one-fifth. In a fresh round of layoffs announced in July, almost 2,000 senior-level employees were targeted for termination.

    Trump Office Laying Off Above 4000 Federal Employees

    NASA was not specifically mentioned in the wave of over 4,000 federal employees laid off by the Trump administration last week amid the protracted government shutdown, which also affected agencies including Treasury and Health and Human Services. The magnitude of JPL’s layoffs demonstrates the conflict between the need for scientific advancement and budgetary restraint.

    The loss of hundreds of highly qualified employees could make project schedules and capabilities more difficult, even though the lab is working on future missions, such as Earth science study and planetary exploration. According to Gallagher, the lab is still dedicated to providing for the public and NASA. He declared, “We are sure that this realignment will improve our capacity to support the country’s leadership in space science and exploration.”

    Quick Shots

    •NASA’s
    Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to cut 550 jobs, around 10% of workforce.

    •Organizational
    restructuring to ensure long-term competitiveness and fiscal discipline.

    •Technical,
    business, and support positions at Pasadena-based facility.

    •Director Dave Gallagher emphasizes
    focus on core capabilities and leaner infrastructure.

  • White House Warns of Mass Layoffs as U.S. Government Shutdown Deepens

    The White House has issued a warning that if US President Donald Trump determines that talks with congressional Democrats to resolve a partial government shutdown have come to a standstill, mass layoffs of federal employees may start.

    White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNN’s State of the Union show on 5 September, as the shutdown reached its fifth day, that he thought there was still a chance Democrats would give up and prevent what may turn out to be an expensive political and economic catastrophe.

    “President Trump and Russ Vought are lining things up and getting ready to act if they have to, but hoping that they don’t,” Hassett added, referring to the White House budget director. Layoffs will begin if the president determines that the negotiations are completely failing.

    Trump Termed it as ‘Democratic Layoffs’

    “Anybody laid off, that’s because of the Democrats,” Trump told reporters on 5 September, referring to the possible layoffs as “Democrat layoffs”. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Trump was present at a US Navy anniversary event in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 5. “I think the show has to go on!” Before leaving the White House for Naval Station Norfolk, Trump posted on Truth Social that it was “a show of Naval aptitude and strength.”

    However, Trump accused Democrats of inciting the shutdown and attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday”, putting the occasion at risk of becoming embroiled in partisan hostilities. Since Trump’s last meeting with congressional leaders, no substantive talks have taken place. The standoff started on October 1, the first day of the federal fiscal year, when Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding plan that would have kept government departments operating until November 21.

    Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated on the CBS show Face the Nation that only new negotiations between Trump and legislative leaders could break the impasse, saying, “They’ve refused to talk with us.” Democrats are calling for guarantees that the White House will not unilaterally reduce expenditure agreed upon in any agreement, as well as a permanent renewal of the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

    Till Now No Conclusive Decision Taken

    In an attempt to break the impasse, rank-and-file senators from both parties have had informal discussions on spending and healthcare, but little has changed. When asked if senators were closer to reaching an agreement, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego responded to CNN, “At this point, no.” On 6 September, the Senate will vote once more on two duelling financing measures, one supported by the Democratic-led House and the other by Republicans.

    However, neither one is anticipated to receive the 60 votes needed to move forward. As long as the shutdown lasts, around 750,000 federal employees could be placed on furlough, with an estimated $400 million in lost wages every day, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act guarantees backpay to federal employees, but payments won’t start until the closure is finished.

    Quick Shots

    •Shutdown entered its fifth day
    after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill on Oct 1.

    •President Trump blames
    Democrats, calling potential furloughs “Democrat layoffs.”

    •White House officials say
    layoffs will begin if talks with Democrats completely break down.

    •No substantive negotiations
    have occurred since Trump’s last meeting with congressional leaders.

     

  • GSK CEO Emma Walmsley Steps Down, Luke Miels Appointed as New CEO

    After nearly nine years, Emma Walmsley, the CEO of GSK Plc, is leaving her position. Luke Miels, the chief commercial officer of the British pharmaceutical company, will take over as CEO. After working for other large European pharmaceutical companies, Miels joined GSK in 2017 and is now in charge of the company’s international pharmaceutical and vaccine division. In an effort to revitalise the company’s oncology division, the commercial leader has sought to expand the company’s medicine portfolio.

    Walmsley’s Performance at GSK Plc

    Walmsley’s departure will result in the resignation of one of the most prominent female CEOs in the global pharma industry and British business. According to a statement released by GSK on September 29, the change is scheduled to go into effect on January 1.

    Miels was appointed after a succession planning process that took into account both internal and external candidates. In addition to leading the company through the pandemic, Walmsley oversaw the launch of an RSV vaccine and the division of GSK’s consumer division into Haleon Plc. However, sluggish vaccination sales and worries over GSK’s new therapeutic pipeline have disappointed investors.

    Because investors are still worried about the company’s pipeline and the lack of potential blockbusters among the few medications in development, the shares have dropped roughly 11% during Walmsley’s leadership. As President Donald Trump presses through his tariff proposals and pressures pharmaceutical companies to more closely align their prices in the US and other markets, GSK has committed to investing $30 billion in the US over the next five years.

    Who is Luke Miels New CEO of GSK

    Since joining GSK in 2017, Luke has served as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing global pharmaceutical and vaccine operations. He has played a key role in expanding GSK’s line of speciality medications, particularly in the fields of respiratory and oncology.

     Before joining GSK, Luke held top positions at AstraZeneca, Roche, and Sanofi-Aventis in the US, Europe, and Asia. He is a well-respected and seasoned global biopharma leader. Because of his background and noteworthy contributions to GSK, he is ideally suited to manage the business and provide the patient and shareholder value that is key to its long-term goals.

    Jonathan Symonds CBE, Chair of GSK, said, “I am delighted to announce that Luke will be the next CEO of GSK. He has outstanding global biopharma development and commercial experience, together with a deep understanding of the company, its prospects and its people. He is extremely well placed to lead, deliver and surpass the ambitions we have set for GSK, and to generate new growth and value for patients and shareholders.”

    Quick
    Shots

    •Walmsley navigated the company
    through the pandemic.

    •Miels joined GSK in 2017 as Chief
    Commercial Officer.

    •Miels heads global pharma and vaccine
    operations, focusing on respiratory and oncology medicines.

    •GSK committed to $30 billion US
    investment over 5 years, aiming for patient and shareholder value growth.

  • US Proposes OPT Tax as 25% Outsourcing Penalty Hits American Companies

    Trump’s new immigration restrictions are putting pressure on overseas businesses and students. Stricter rules are being implemented regarding the issuance of study visas to international students.

    Additionally, measures are being taken to tax the income of international students who work in the United States following their education. Additionally, lawmakers have suggested taxing the profits of US businesses that contract with foreign countries.

    The Trump administration is currently putting policies into place to safeguard American jobs and keep foreigners from filling them. Commenting on the move, Kamal Karanth, Co-founder of Xpheno stated, “The proposed hike in H1B visa fees is not a surprise, and IT services companies have been preparing for such developments. Over the last six months, many of them have either nominated or hired new GCC heads to capitalize on the GCC route for business. While higher visa costs could slow down onsite hiring, it will only accelerate the offshoring momentum. We expect MNCs to increase their reliance on GCCs and IT services firms in India, which remain a cost-effective option even after factoring in a 25% cess. In the near term, IT services companies may become more aggressive in offering GCC-specific services, and the increased supply of talent could also lead to softer pricing for GCC staffing.”

    Lawmakers in the US have suggested taxing the money earned by overseas students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. Under the OPT programme, foreign students employed by US companies are now free from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes.

    US Lawmakers Introduced Dignity Tax

    The Dignity Act, which has been introduced, would require OPT students to pay FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes on their earnings. OPT students who are employed in the United States will be required to pay FICA taxes if the proposed Dignity Act is passed.

    The current employer and employee Social Security tax rates are 6.2% and 6.2%, respectively, for a total tax rate of 12.4%. The current employer and employee Medicare rates are 1.45% and 1.45%, respectively, for a total of 2.9%. FICA taxes are currently waived for international students employed in the United States under the OPT programme.

    Foreign students will be required to pay these taxes if the Act is passed. The only tax with a wage base restriction is Social Security. The highest salary that is taxable for that year is known as the wage base limit. This base limit for 2025 earnings is $176,100. The Medicare tax has no wage base restriction. Medicare tax applies to all covered wages.

    US Administration Also Proposes HIRE Act

    US businesses that hire foreign workers or contract out work to foreigners will be required to pay taxes to the US government. Senator Bernie Moreno introduced the Halting International Relocation of Employment Act, or HIRE Act, with the goal of preventing outsourcing by deterring American companies from hiring workers from other countries in search of lower wages.

    A 25% tax on outsourcing payments made by American taxpayers or businesses to foreigners whose labour benefits American consumers is proposed under the HIRE Act. Those payments made after December 31, 2025, will be subject to the recently proposed levy.

    Any American who makes an outsourcing payment is subject to a tax under the HIRE Act, which is equal to 25% of the payment’s total amount. Any business that hires foreign workers rather than Americans will be subject to a tax under the law, and the money raised will be used to support middle-class workforce development initiatives.

    Quick
    Shots

    •OPT students would lose exemption
    from FICA taxes (Social Security & Medicare).

    •Would impose 12.4% Social Security
    and 2.9% Medicare taxes on OPT earnings.

    •Social Security taxable wage base capped
    at $176,100 (2025); Medicare applies to all wages.

    •Introduced to curb outsourcing by US
    firms hiring foreign workers.

  • UK to Slash Visa Fees for Top Global Talent as US Raises H-1B Visa Cost to $100,000

    According to Financial Times story, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering plans to do away with immigration costs for outstanding international talent. The Trump administration’s announcement of a $100,000 cost for new H-1B visas, which went into effect on21 September, was preceded by the talks that were already taking place inside Number 10 and the Treasury.

    According to those briefed on the discussions, Starmer’s “global talent taskforce” is formulating plans to attract the top academics, scientists, and digital specialists to Britain in order to spur economic growth.

    A zero-fee system for applicants who have attended one of the top five colleges in the world or received prestigious awards is one alternative being considered, according to FT.

    Peeyush Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO of Invest4Edu stated, “Talent acquisition has become a global war, and immigration policies are becoming decisive factors. The US announced just six weeks ago that it would be raising the prices of coveted H-1B visas to nearly $100,000. Such a move may prove detrimental for startups, tech companies, and skilled professionals alike. For decades, the H-1B programme has been the very gateway for talent from across the globe, mainly from India, to enter the US job market. This exorbitant pricing, however, can only mean that the dream of working abroad may be closing further. Seizing the opportunity, the UK is now in the process of slashing visa fees as an inducement for talent acquisition from around the world.”

    Kajal Dave, Co-Founder, LaunchEd Global echoed similar sentiments as she stated, “The recent contrast in visa policies between the U.K. and the U.S. is already influencing how global talent makes decisions. The U.K.’s move to cut visa fees for top global talent shows it is serious about attracting skilled professionals and international students. Lowering costs not only makes the U.K. more accessible but also creates a clear message: the country is open and welcoming to talent. On the other hand, the U.S. decision to raise H-1B visa costs to as high as $100,000 is creating concern in India. For years, the U.S. has been the top choice for Indian graduates, especially in technology and management. But with higher costs and ongoing immigration uncertainty, both employers and students may hesitate. Companies could rethink sponsoring talent, and students may wonder if the high cost of a U.S. degree is still worth it when work opportunities are less certain.”

    Current Cost of Britain’s Global Talent Visa

    The Global Talent visa presently costs £766 ($1,030) in Britain, and partners and dependents must pay the same amount. Since President Donald Trump signed the proclamation instituting the $100,000 levy, which is frequently used by American software companies to hire Indian employees, the gap with the US has widened.

    According to a source close to the UK negotiations who spoke to FT, the US ruling has “put wind in the sails” for those advocating for Britain to reduce the expense of its expensive immigration system before the November 26 Budget. To recruit scientists and IT workers, the UK established a Global Talent Taskforce in June 2024, supported by a £54 million Global Talent Fund.

    The taskforce will assist researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, senior engineers, and creatives, according to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. The funding will be distributed to top universities and research institutions through UK Research and Innovation during a five-year period beginning in 2025. In accordance with Britain’s new Industrial Strategy, these organisations will locate and target certain individuals.

    Good News for Skilled Indians Planning for Britain

    India is anticipated to play a significant role. The Global Talent visa is an essential tool for luring scientists and innovators, according to Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation. He stated that India and the UK already have a solid connection and that he believes it is only becoming stronger while speaking at the India Global Forum’s Future Frontiers Forum in London on June 20.

    But in reality, everything isn’t driven by government-to-government ties on science. Both the scientist and the person must be scientists. There are significant scholarly connections. “I’d like to see more of that as India becomes an increasingly powerful player in the science and tech space,” he said. India has been moving up the research ladder in the world.

    According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the nation placed in the top five for 45 of 64 essential technologies in 2023. In fields like distributed ledger technology and biological manufacturing, it surpassed the US.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Possible exemption for applicants
    from top 5 global universities or with prestigious awards.

    •Trump administration imposes $100,000
    fee on new H-1B visas from September 21, mainly affecting Indian tech
    workers.

    •UK launched taskforce in June 2024
    with £54m Global Talent Fund to attract scientists, engineers, and
    innovators.

    •Funds to be distributed via UK
    Research & Innovation to target top researchers and specialists.

  • Donald Trump Says Murdochs May Play Key Role in Potential US TikTok Deal

    According to President Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan are anticipated to be among a group of investors attempting to purchase TikTok in the United States. Trump stated that the men would “probably” be part of a planned agreement to keep TikTok operational in the US during an interview with Fox News that aired on 21 September.

    He added that Michael Dell, the founder of Dell, and Larry Ellison, the chairman of Oracle, would probably be engaged. Trump called the guys “American patriots” and stated, “I think they’re going to do a really good job.” The US and China are moving closer to an agreement that would sell the social media platform’s American operations to US investors, the president said during a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart earlier this week.

    Why TiTok Needs to Sell its Business to US Investors?

    A law approved by Congress in April 2024 would have prohibited the app unless its Chinese parent firm, ByteDance, sold its US unit, necessitating the sale. Concerns that Beijing would obtain the personal information of TikTok’s 170 million American users led to the proposal of this law. Until a deal is reached, its enforcement is on hold. Trump stated on Fox’s The Sunday Briefing that “they’re very well-known people” who would generate a “tremendous amount” of money in response to a question about who was involved in the potential TikTok agreement.

    Among these is Larry Ellison. He’s part of it. Michael Dell, a wonderful man, is involved. Unfortunately, there is a man named Lachlan involved. “Are you familiar with Lachlan?” he said. “And Rupert is probably going to be in the group.” The family’s media giant, which includes Fox Corp and News Corp, was recently taken control by Lachlan Murdoch, ending a protracted struggle with his siblings over succession. News Corp. chairman emeritus Rupert Murdoch is 94 years old.

    Following Trump’s remarks on Sunday, US media outlets indicated that the Murdochs would not be investing in their personal capacity, but rather through Fox Corp. They are well-known for their conservative viewpoints and right-leaning media outlets, such include Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. However, Trump, who is now suing the Wall Street Journal for defamation after a report said he signed Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday book, has also occasionally taken offence at them.

    US Eager to Crack TikTok Deal

    In response to political pressure to remove the social networking app’s US operations from its Chinese owners, ByteDance, the White House has increased hopes that a deal is almost final.

    According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a deal might be inked “in the coming days” on Saturday. Speaking to Fox as well, Leavitt stated that Oracle will oversee data and privacy for the app in the US and that “America will also control the algorithm.”

    The possibility of the Murdochs and Ellisons, two of the most influential families in US media, obtaining substantial control over one of the most widely used social media apps in the country is increased by the planned TikTok merger. China has not officially stated if an agreement has been reached or not.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Congress passed a law in April 2024
    requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent ByteDance to sell its US business or face a
    nationwide ban.

    •Involvement likely through Fox Corp,
    not personal investment; Lachlan Murdoch recently took control of the family
    media empire.

    •Oracle expected to oversee TikTok’s
    US data security and algorithm control.

    •Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said
    a TikTok deal could be finalized “in the coming days.”

  • Microsoft Issues 24-Hour Deadline to Indian, Foreign Employees After H1-B Visa Fee Hike to $100,000

    Before the Trump administration’s September 21 deadline, when businesses would have to pay $100,000 annually for each H-1B worker visa, Microsoft has urged its employees on H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the US right now. The software juggernaut has also recommended individuals who are currently in the US to remain there for the foreseeable future, according to an internal email that Reuters examined.

    “Those with H-1B visas ought to remain in the US for the foreseeable future. Retaining H-4 visa holders in the United States is also advised. In an email to staff members, Microsoft stated, “Strongly advise H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the US tomorrow before the deadline,” as reported by Reuters.

    Recent $100,000 For H1-B Visas a Big Blow to Tech Giants

    In a major setback to the IT industry, which mainly depends on highly qualified workers from China and India, Donald Trump issued an executive order on September 19, imposing an annual cost of $100,000 for H-1B visa applications.

    Trump expressed his expectation that the tech sector would be extremely pleased with the adjustments. Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce for the United States, stated that if you are going to train someone, you should train a recent graduate from one of the top colleges in the United States.

    Train Americans Instead of Foreigners: Trump’s Administration

    Educate Americans. Stop hiring foreigners to fill American jobs. The H1-B non-immigrant visa programme is one of the most misused visa systems, according to White House staff secretary Will Scharf.

    This is intended to make it possible for highly trained workers to enter the United States of America and work in industries that are not occupied by Americans. This decree will increase the cost of sponsoring H-1B applicants to $100,000 for businesses.

    This will guarantee that they are bringing in highly skilled individuals who cannot be replaced by American workers. Last year, India continued to be the top country for H-1B visas. According to government data, 71% of approved recipients were from the nation alone, with China coming in second at 11.7%. Microsoft and Meta both received over 5,000 approvals for H-1B visas in the first half of 2025, while Amazon and its cloud division AWS received over 12,000 approvals.

    Indian Government Engaging with the US Over H-1B issue

    According to media reports on 20 September, the Indian government is working with the US administration and the IT sector to resolve the H-1B issue. They added that American businesses are particularly affected by the application fee hike because they use these visas extensively for highly qualified workers.

    The order announced by US President Donald Trump on 19 September will increase the application price for H1-B visas to a hefty $100,000 per year. Depending on the size of the firm and other expenses, the H-1B visa fee might range from roughly $2,000 to $5,000.According to sources, the Indian government is actively working with the US government, the IT sector, and the Nasscom group to find a solution. According to sources, US firms are actively interacting with the US government on the issue, as they are among the largest users of these visas.

    Indian technology services companies will be impacted by the United States’ decision to increase the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, according to industry group Nasscom.

    This is because onshore projects that may need “adjustments” will not be able to continue operating normally. Mohandas Pai, a seasoned industry veteran and former CFO of Infosys, added that the US decision to charge a high yearly cost to applicants for H-1B visas will discourage new business applications and could hasten offshore in the months ahead. According to data from the USCIS website, Amazon had the most H-1B visa approvals (10,044) for FY25 (as of June 30, 2025).

    Quick
    Shots

    •Trump administration imposes $100,000
    annual fee per H-1B visa, effective September 21.

    •Microsoft advises foreign employees
    already in the US to remain there for the foreseeable future.

    •Firms like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon,
    and Google face steep new costs for foreign talent.

    •71% of H-1B approvals in 2024 went to
    Indians; China was second with 11.7%.

    •Trump team urges companies to train
    U.S. graduates instead of hiring foreign workers.

     

  • Donald Trump Invites 5 Indian-Origin CEOs to White House Dinner

    US President Donald Trump to host distinguished group of IT CEOs to a dinner at the White House. Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and a dozen other leaders from the largest tech and artificial intelligence companies are expected to be on the guest list, the White House said.

    Trump recently tiled over the green lawn in the Rose Garden, where the dinner would be hosted. The tables, chairs, and umbrellas there are quite identical to those at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

    Meeting with the New Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force

    After the event, First Lady Melania Trump will head the White House’s new Artificial Intelligence Education task committee. The task force conference, which aims to establish AI education for American youth, is anticipated to include at least some of the people who attended the dinner.

    In a statement, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said that the White House’s Rose Garden Club is the most popular spot in Washington, if not the entire world. For this meal and many more to come, the president is excited to welcome leading figures in business, politics, and technology to the new, lovely Rose Garden terrace, Ingle added.

    Confirmed Guest List

    Google founder Sergey Brin and CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and founder Greg Brockman, Oracle CEO Safra Catz, Blue Origin CEO David Limp, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, TIBCO Software chairman Vivek Ranadive, Palantir executive Shyam Sankar, Scale AI founder and CEO Alexandr Wang, and Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman are all scheduled to attend the dinner, according to the White House.

    Trump nominated Isaacman, an associate of Musk, to head NASA but later withdrew the candidacy around the time of his split from Musk. Trump referred to Isaacman as “totally a Democrat” and stated that Musk was angry with him because of the revocation of the candidacy.

    Musk Missing from the Guest List

    Elon Musk, who was formerly a strong ally of Trump and was given the responsibility of leading the government-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, is one prominent figure missing from the guest list. Earlier this year, Musk and Trump had a public spat.

    As a result, Sam Altman of OpenAI, one of Mr. Musk’s competitors in the field of artificial intelligence, has been added to the guest list. Participants in the new Artificial Intelligence Education task committee included Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, Arvind Krishna, the chairman and CEO of IBM, and Cameron Wilson, the president of Code.org.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Trump invites CEOs to White House.

    •Rose Garden dinner setup.

    •Meeting with the new AI Task Force,
    Led by First Lady Melania Trump.

    •Musk not included in the guest list.