Why Indians Pleaded to Get Off Plane After Trump’s H-1B Shock

Indian passengers pleaded to get off an international flight in the United States on September 20, 2025. The panic broke out at San Francisco International Airport. It came just hours after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year.

The sudden announcement shocked many Indian professionals. Social media videos showed dozens of passengers disembarking from an Emirates flight bound for India. The flight was delayed for more than three hours as ground staff tried to manage the chaos.

Why Indians Pleaded to Get Off Aircraft

The H-1B visa is a popular work visa for Indian tech workers. It currently costs a few thousand dollars in processing fees. Trump’s order proposed a sharp hike, setting the fee at $100,000 annually.

This move sparked fear among visa holders and applicants. Many worried they would not be allowed back into the US if they left. According to Reuters, companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and JP Morgan advised their staff on H-1B and H-4 visas to stay put.

Reports said Indian families returning home for Durga Puja panicked mid-boarding. Some begged to leave the flight, fearing they might lose their legal status. The Emirates plane, fully boarded, had to offload passengers before departure.

Impact of Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Order

The order was not yet fully clarified but triggered immediate anxiety. At present, an H-1B visa is valid for three years, with the option of a three-year extension. The new fee would make the visa unaffordable for many, especially new applicants.

For Indian IT professionals, this change could mean the end of new opportunities. The fee hike would also strain US companies dependent on global tech talent. Major firms urged their employees to return to the US before September 21.

The panic scenes at San Francisco airport highlight how sudden policy changes affect migrant workers. Passengers’ reaction showed the deep uncertainty about the future of work visas. The news spread fast, leading to a ripple of fear across Indian communities in America.

This dramatic scene showed why Indians pleaded to get off planes. The new H-1B visa fee announcement created fear, confusion, and travel disruption. The long-term effect on the Indian tech workforce in the US remains uncertain.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Indians plead to get off the plane?

They feared they might not be allowed back into the US after Trump announced a $100,000 H-1B visa fee.

Q2: What happened at San Francisco airport?

Dozens of Indian passengers disembarked from an Emirates flight after hearing the news. The flight was delayed for more than three hours.

Q3: What is the new H-1B visa fee?

The fee was raised to $100,000 per year. It was previously between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on employer size and type.

Q4: Who will be most affected?

Indian IT professionals and US companies depending on H-1B workers will be most affected. Many new applicants may not afford the fee.

Q5: How long is an H-1B visa valid?

An H-1B visa is valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. The fee hike now adds huge cost pressure.