In a major relief for Indian tech professionals, the United States government has clarified that President Donald Trump’s new order to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas will only apply to new applications and not to existing visa holders. The clarification, issued on Saturday, came after widespread panic among Indian IT workers, many of whom feared they would be forced to pay the hefty amount or rush back to the US before the deadline. Officials confirmed that those already holding valid H-1B visas will face no disruption to their travel or work status, easing concerns across the global tech industry.

The order, announced just a day earlier, had caused chaos at several US airports, with visuals circulating on social media showing long queues and confusion among international travelers. Many technology companies, including Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, had urged employees to return to the US before the rule came into effect. Trump, however, defended the decision by calling the H-1B program “systemically abused” and a “national security threat,” claiming that foreign workers were displacing American jobs on a large scale. His remarks triggered sharp criticism from industry leaders, who argued that the fee would cripple innovation and hurt the very companies driving the US economy.

Despite the controversy, the official clarification has brought temporary relief to thousands of Indian professionals and their families who rely on H-1B visas. Experts believe the decision to target only new applicants reflects the administration’s balancing act—trying to address Trump’s political base while avoiding massive legal and diplomatic fallout. Still, uncertainty looms for future aspirants, as the increased fee is expected to deter many mid-level professionals and startups from applying. With India being the largest source of H-1B talent, the move could strain Indo-US relations further if not handled carefully in the months ahead.