Trump plan to expand H-1B visa fees could hit Indian IT firms

The Trump administration is proposing to expand the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to H-1B and L-1 visa extension applications, potentially costing Indian IT companies millions. The surcharge, currently applied only to initial petitions, would target firms with over 50 employees and at least 50% in H-1B or L-1 status. DHS estimates the change could raise $157.3 million annually for biometric tracking systems. Indian workers, who account for 77.6% of approved H-1B extensions, face the biggest impact due to Green Card backlogs.