Trump’s H-IB visa fee hike has dealt a blow to young Indians

The world’ biggest youth cohort cant afford fewer opportunities

- ANDY MUKHERJEE

It's hard to say what US President Donald Trump’s extraordinary attack on immigration will mean for the future of US tech dominance. What's clearer, however, is the immediate challenge he has created for India, says after he wished his friend Narendra Modi a happy 75th birthday.

Indians account for more than 70% of all H-1B visas. A steep $100,000 entry fee, paid by employers, for every foreign worker entering the US under the programme will effectively gut it, forcing large outsourcing companies such as Infosys to rethink their business strategy.

What should worry the Indian government more is how the new rule is being implemented. Introduced on 21 September as a travel restriction, it had the appearance of an economic sanction, an escalation of the ‘punishment’ that Trump has meted out to a staunch ally in recent months.