GOPIO Urges Trump to Rethink $100,000 H‑1B Fee; President Responds

Diaspora Group Warns of Threat to U.S. Innovation and Job Growth

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has appealed to President Donald Trump to reconsider the newly announced $100,000 one-time fee for new H‑1B visa petitions, warning that it could discourage top global talent and slow U.S. economic growth. President Trump has since responded, reaffirming his “America First” immigration policies.

GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah wrote to the White House emphasizing that H‑1B visa holders are key contributors to American innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“H‑1B visa holders are not only driving innovation in tech, medicine, and research, they are also building companies and creating jobs for Americans. Policies that discourage skilled immigrants will ultimately hurt U.S. competitiveness. We hope the Administration will listen to these concerns and take action in the national interest.” said Dr. Thomas Abraham.

Prakash Shah added:

A prohibitively high application fee would undermine these goals and weaken America’s competitive edge,” 

H‑1B Fee Hike Details

According to USCIS, the new fee applies to new H‑1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025 and is not required for renewals or extensions. Legal experts at Morgan Lewis note it is valid for 12 months unless extended. Previously, application costs were only in the low thousands, making this increase unprecedented.

Experts warn that the sharp rise may dissuade companies—especially startups and mid-sized firms—from sponsoring highly skilled international talent.

GOPIO Highlights H‑1B Contributions

The diaspora organisation stressed that H‑1B professionals:

• Fill critical STEM skill gaps and drive innovation

• Complement American workers while boosting wages

• Strengthen key industries from tech to healthcare and academia

• Pay billions in taxes and fuel local economies

• Often become entrepreneurs creating jobs for U.S. citizens

• Help offset workforce shortages in an aging population

GOPIO encouraged community members to contact the White House and their Congressional representatives to express concerns about the fee hike.

President Trump’s Response

In reply to GOPIO, President Trump thanked the organisation for sharing its views but reaffirmed his “America First” stance. He highlighted the recent One Big Beautiful Bill as a comprehensive immigration overhaul focused on border security, law enforcement, and protecting American jobs.

“As President, my most sacred duties are to protect the safety of American citizens, defend the interests of American workers, and uphold law and order,” he wrote, highlighting policies designed to fuel U.S. economic growth.

About GOPIO

Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a global non-partisan, not-for-profit with chapters in 36 countries, working to strengthen ties among the Indian diaspora and local communities worldwide.