IIT Madras Director: Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike a ‘Blessing in Disguise’

A top Indian academic leader has called a proposed massive hike to the U.S. H-1B visa fee a positive development. IIT Madras Director Kamakoti Veezhinathan described the potential $100,000 fee as a “blessing in disguise.” His comments follow an announcement from former President Donald Trump.

The director believes the move could significantly benefit India’s own research and innovation ecosystem. He made these remarks in an interview with ANI.

Shifting Talent Dynamics and a New National Opportunity

Veezhinathan explained the reasoning behind his unexpected support. He said the enormous fee would likely deter many Indian students from seeking jobs in the United States. This would mean highly skilled graduates would remain in India to build their careers.

The director expressed personal satisfaction with this potential outcome. He stated that IIT Madras is happy to retain its talented students within the country. According to his data, only 5% of the institute’s recent graduates are currently abroad.

He emphasized that India now offers substantial opportunities for high-level research. The “craze for going to the USA,” he noted, has already diminished among his students.

Official Rationale and Broader Market Reactions

The policy’s rationale was outlined in an official White House statement. It accused the H-1B program of being systematically exploited. The statement claimed it was used to replace American workers with lower-paid, foreign labor.

The new fee aims to restrict entry to only the most highly valued foreign workers. It is designed to ensure petitions are “supplemented by a payment of $100,000.” This move is framed as a measure to protect both economic and national security.

The Indian government has acknowledged the reports. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the implications are being studied. Indian industry groups are also analyzing the potential impact of the proposed change.

The proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee represents a seismic shift in U.S. immigration policy. It has triggered a complex debate about global talent competition and national interests. The surprising endorsement from a premier Indian institution highlights the potential for this policy to reshape tech ecosystems worldwide.

Info at your fingertips

What is the current H-1B visa fee?

The current U.S. government filing fee for an H-1B visa petition is significantly lower. It is a fraction of the proposed $100,000 amount, which would represent a massive increase.

How did the Indian government react?

The Indian government issued a cautious statement through the Ministry of External Affairs. It said the full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned parties.

What percentage of IIT Madras graduates go abroad?

According to Director Veezhinathan, only about 5% of the institute’s recent graduate population is currently not in India. He stated the “craze” for moving to the U.S. has faded.

Why does Trump support the visa fee hike?

The official White House statement argues the H-1B program has been abused to replace American workers. The fee is intended to protect U.S. jobs and national security.

Has any other business leader supported this move?

Yes, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has also expressed support for the proposed fee. He suggested it would create more certainty for high-value jobs.

Trusted Sources: ANI, The White House, Indian Ministry of External Affairs.