Hyderabad: US President Trump’s sudden increase in the H-1B application fee to $100,000 will have a severe impact on Telugu-speaking states. Experts say that last year, 71 percent of all H-1B visas were granted to Indians, and 35 percent of them were from Telugu-speaking states.
It is noteworthy that US Consulate officials announced a few months ago that 56 percent of Indian students in the US are from Telugu-speaking states. Thousands of Telugu-speaking students apply for H-1Bs here every year.
Indian IT companies also receive a large number of applications on behalf of their employees. People who have completed their studies in the US also apply for H-1B visas with the intention of becoming opt-in partners. Now, they say Trump’s decision could prove disappointing for all of them.
Companies likely to oppose the law
According to Udumula Venkateswara Reddy, MD of Worldwide Education Consultancy, if the salary paid to employees is $100,000, setting an application fee of $100,000 could be a burden for companies. Until now, the maximum premium hasn’t exceeded $7,000 or $8,000. Therefore, it seems likely that companies will form consortia and oppose the law.
He says that if Trump’s decision is implemented, the number of employees sent by companies from India could decrease, which could temporarily benefit Indian students studying in the US. Since they don’t require H1B visas for three years, companies will be able to hire more people under Optional Practical Training (OPT). Their salaries are lower and tax-free. He says that if they choose to switch to H1B, they won’t need $100,000 because they studied there. More clarity is needed on this issue. –
Clarity needed on Trump’s decision
Ashok Kolla, an expatriate from Andhra Pradesh, said, “There is no clarity yet on Trump’s decision. However, if implemented, it will have a major impact on those coming from India through companies on H-1B visas.”
Tagore Malineni, an expatriate from Andhra Pradesh, said, “Layoffs are already occurring in IT companies. Meanwhile, Trump’s decision on H-1B visas will provide more opportunities for local people in the US. Companies will also have the opportunity to hire and train them.”
