The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) hosted a special webinar on “H-1B Visa Storm: Current Challenges and Pathways Forward” on October 4, 2025, bringing together immigration attorneys, policy experts, and community leaders to discuss the implications of recent U.S. visa policy changes.
The event came in response to growing confusion and concern following President Donald Trump’s September 19 announcement introducing a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, nearly 67 times higher than the current cost. The sudden move left thousands of Indian professionals and U.S. employers uncertain about their futures.
Opening Remarks and Key Insights
GOPIO Associate Secretary and Webinar Chair Sunil Vuppala welcomed participants, noting the urgent need for clarity amid widespread misinformation. GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham expressed disappointment over the administration’s response to concerns raised by the organization, emphasizing that the H-1B program generates over $200 billion annually for the U.S. economy, while costs amount to only $8.5 billion.
“The U.S. technology sector thrives because of the H-1B visa program. There’s a clear link between H-1B professionals and American innovation,” Dr. Abraham noted.
Panel Discussion on Policy Shifts
Moderated by New York Immigration Attorney Dilli Batta, the panel featured experts including David Nachman (NPZ Law Group, NJ), Stephanie Dy (Parikh Law Group, Chicago), and Prashanti Reddy (Reddy Law Firm, NY).
Attorney David Nachman described the new policy as a “torrential storm” for skilled workers, outlining three critical changes:
- Massive Fee Increase: The new $100,000 fee applies mainly to first-time H-1B applicants outside the U.S., not renewals or extensions. Experts warned that the move could deter global talent.
- Lottery Prioritization: Proposed reforms would prioritize higher-paying jobs, putting small and mid-sized firms at a disadvantage and undermining merit-based selection.
- Enhanced Compliance Checks: Increased site visits and audits will tighten scrutiny on employers, raising operational challenges.
Attorney Prashanti Reddy emphasized that while renewals and amendments are unaffected, the proclamation could harm applicants in research and technology sectors. Attorney Stephanie Dy added that stricter qualification standards could make it harder for small firms to recruit top talent, especially those without advanced degrees.
Panelists collectively warned that the U.S. could lose its competitive edge in innovation if it discourages skilled immigrants.
Congressman Frank Pallone’s Call for Action
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), who served as the Chief Guest, criticized the administration’s approach, calling it “short-sighted and counterproductive.” He argued that instead of imposing exorbitant fees, the government should focus on training domestic talent and fostering international collaboration.
“This policy shifts focus from developing local skills to simply generating revenue,” Pallone said, stressing that small businesses and startups would be hit hardest. He also cautioned that other nations like Germany and China are actively courting global professionals, potentially diverting talent away from the U.S.
Pallone underscored the strategic implications of alienating India, noting that India’s growing ties with Russia and China could complicate U.S. foreign policy. He urged both nations to initiate an early bilateral dialogue to “remove current hiccups” and strengthen long-standing ties.
Commitment to Advocacy and Engagement
Pallone reaffirmed bipartisan support in Congress for maintaining the H-1B program and encouraged organizations like GOPIO to continue engaging lawmakers. “Community participation and policy dialogue are vital to ensure America remains open to innovation and global expertise,” he added.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks from GOPIO General Secretary Siddharth Jain, with technical coordination provided by Vatsala Upadhyay, CEO of AI Junoon. GOPIO announced plans for continued engagement with congressional leaders on immigration and diaspora issues.
About GOPIO
Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with chapters in over 36 countries. It works to build bridges between the global Indian diaspora and local communities through cultural, civic, and humanitarian initiatives.
