Panic erupted at US airports as President Trump’s H-1B visa charge hike to $100,000 triggered chaos, hovering flight costs, and fears of stranded Indian nationals forward of a decent September 21 deadline.
Chaos unfolded at a number of US airports after President Donald Trump introduced an unprecedented hike within the H-1B visa charge to USD 100,000. The choice, which was made public on September 19, has precipitated vital panic, particularly amongst Indian nationals who account for greater than 70% of all H-1B holders. With a decent deadline set for September 21, H-1B visa holders rushed to return to the U.S. amid fears they might be stranded in the event that they didn’t make it earlier than the cutoff time.
Panic at San Francisco airport
Essentially the most putting instance of this turmoil was seen at San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO), the place a number of passengers aboard an Emirates flight have been seen panicking after listening to the information of the brand new visa rules. Social media movies confirmed Indian travellers frantically de-boarding the plane, with some even pacing the aisles, uncertain of their subsequent transfer. A witness shared that the flight was delayed by greater than three hours as passengers, a lot of whom have been returning for Durga Puja celebrations, scrambled to make sense of the scenario.
Flights surge as panic units in
As information of the visa charge hike unfold, ticket costs from India to the U.S. skyrocketed. Passengers who have been visiting household or on trip noticed one-way flight fares leap to as excessive as USD 4,500, practically 5 instances the standard value. Airline corporations, amid the surge in demand, reportedly took benefit of the chaos, additional inflating ticket costs.
Indian nationals vulnerable to stranding
The Trump administration’s choice has left many H-1B holders in a precarious scenario. With the September 21 deadline quick approaching, consultants worry that many visa holders who’re presently in India or overseas could also be unable to return on time. Immigration lawyer Cyrus Mehta famous that H-1B visa holders who’re exterior the US and unable to return by the deadline will face vital difficulties.
India responds to the choice
India’s Ministry of Exterior Affairs has expressed concern over the transfer, stating that they’re inspecting its implications on Indian employees. The scenario stays fluid, with many tech corporations advising their workers to remain put or return to the U.S. instantly.