Zoho founder and chief scientist Sridhar Vembu has urged Indians working in the United States on H1B visas to reconsider their future abroad after US President Donald Trump imposed a $100,000 application fee on new visas.
In a heartfelt post on X, Vembu wrote, “Come back home. Do not live in fear. Make the bold move.” He acknowledged the challenges returnees would face but insisted it could help them rebuild stronger lives in India.
Lessons From History
Vembu drew a parallel with Sindhi families after partition, who lost everything yet managed to rebuild their lives in India. He said, “It may take five years to rebuild your lives but it will make you stronger,” emphasizing resilience in uncertain times.
His comments have struck a chord with many Indian tech workers, who are grappling with anxiety following the US administration’s sudden visa decision.
Trump Signs Order
Last week, Trump signed the executive order, stating the high fee would prevent overuse of the program and push companies to hire American workers first. The new rule became effective on September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT and will remain in force for 12 months, though extensions are possible.
The proclamation has been criticized for its lack of clarity, as contradictory statements from officials created widespread panic among foreign workers and businesses.
Confusion Over Policy
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick repeatedly claimed the $100,000 fee would apply every year. His remarks sent shockwaves across industries that rely heavily on foreign talent, especially technology and finance.
Firms such as Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs quickly issued internal advisories asking H1B employees to stay put in the US, avoid unnecessary travel, and return before the policy took effect if they were already abroad.
Indian Workers Impact
The numbers reveal the stakes clearly. In FY 2024, Indians accounted for 71% of all approved H1B petitions in the United States, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Any sudden cost hike or restrictive policy directly impacts thousands of Indian families.
This has added to the sense of vulnerability among Indian professionals, many of whom had already been facing uncertainties around renewals, job security, and green card delays.
White House Clarifies
Amid the panic, the White House stepped in to provide clarification. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the $100,000 levy is a one-time fee, not an annual charge. She wrote on X: “This fee applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders.”
The clarification came as a relief but did little to ease the financial burden of the new requirement. Experts say it will still deter smaller firms from sponsoring foreign workers and limit opportunities for skilled Indian professionals.
Vembu’s call to “come back home” may gain traction if the US continues to tighten its visa policies. While some see the fee as a temporary roadblock, others believe it could trigger a larger shift, with more Indian professionals choosing to return to India’s growing tech ecosystem rather than depend on unpredictable US policies.
