The Trump administration’s steep increase in H-1B visa fees has shattered the aspirations of countless young Indians hoping to build careers in the US. Once costing around $2,000, visa expenses now reach up to $100,000, forcing employers to spend nearly $160,000 per hire. As a result, many US companies are turning to local workers, shrinking opportunities for Indian talent. Experts warn that IT, software, healthcare, and project management sectors will face major setbacks. Students and professionals feel targeted and unwelcome, while Indian government officials encourage skilled workers to return home. However, many may choose alternatives like Canada, Australia, or Europe. Analysts stress that this policy could harm not only Indian professionals but also America’s own economic growth and innovation ecosystem, with long-term consequences for the global tech industry.