The unexpected increase of the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 by President Trump and the implementation of a stringent September 21 deadline created significant disruption at US airports. Several Indian tech professionals reportedly chose to exit flights immediately after the announcement. This period also coincided with the return of many Indians from the US to India for Durga Puja. Additionally, individuals in India found that direct flight prices to the US increased substantially as airlines responded to the situation. The new rules stipulated that H-1B visa holders had to arrive in the US before 12:01 am EDT (9:31 am IST) on September 21, otherwise, their employers would be required to pay the $100,000 fee. For instance, a one-way ticket from New Delhi to New York’s JFK Airport reportedly increased from roughly Rs 37,000 to Rs 70,000-80,000 shortly after the announcement. The impact of these changes was evident at US airports, where many travelers disembarked from flights.
