The recent announcement of the H-1B visa fee hike by the Trump administration has sparked significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from US lawmakers, business leaders, and the Indian-American community. At the center of this debate is Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, who represents Sacramento in California — a state deeply intertwined with the US tech ecosystem and home to a large Indian-American population.
In an exclusive interview, Congressman Bera voiced concerns over the policy, describing it as potentially damaging to American companies while emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong US-India ties.
The H-1B Visa Fee Hike: What Happened?
Earlier this year, the US government introduced a steep $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants, a move widely seen as targeting highly skilled foreign workers in sectors like technology, research, and academia.
The H-1B visa has historically been a crucial pathway for foreign talent to contribute to the US economy, particularly in Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs. This sudden fee increase, coupled with a confusing rollout and lack of communication with Congress, has left businesses and applicants grappling with uncertainty.
According to Bera, this policy could hurt US companies rather than help them, potentially driving talent and investment to other countries, including India.
Congressman Bera’s Take on the Policy
In his interview, Bera was candid about his concerns:
“I don’t agree with the policy because it’s actually going to hurt American companies. These are workers who are filling vital roles and positions. Hiking visa fees to $100,000 is unheard of for something like this.”
He emphasized that the chaotic rollout — where officials issued conflicting statements — further complicated matters. For example, the administration initially labeled the fee as an annual charge, only to walk it back hours later, adding confusion for employers and employees alike.
Bera stressed the importance of consulting Congress and business leaders before implementing such a disruptive policy. He believes a more measured approach could mitigate economic fallout and maintain strong ties with India.
Economic Impact: US Companies at Risk
One of Bera’s primary concerns is the impact on American businesses, particularly in the technology sector. H-1B visa holders are often employed in highly specialized roles that domestic talent cannot easily fill.
“It may actually benefit Indian companies,” Bera noted. “If a Microsoft executive in the US can’t get the workers they need, they might expand their presence in India instead.”
The implication is clear: by making the H-1B program more expensive and less predictable, US companies risk losing talent to global competitors, undermining innovation and economic growth.
Humanitarian Concerns and Family Impact
Beyond economic implications, Bera highlighted the human side of the visa policy.
Indian-American families, particularly in California, are deeply affected. Sudden policy changes create uncertainty for families, with some workers being forced to return home or face disruptions in their professional lives.
“Companies are telling their employees to get home to America as quickly as possible,” Bera said. “This is just a chaotic rollout. Even if implemented, there’s a way to do this with warning and input.”
This approach, according to Bera, not only strains families but also reflects poorly on American policy in the eyes of international partners like India.
US-India Relations and Political Dynamics
Congressman Bera also discussed the broader bilateral relationship between the US and India. Despite policy missteps like the H-1B fee hike, he emphasized that the long-term trajectory of US-India relations remains positive.
He acknowledged the role of individuals such as Peter Navarro in creating policy friction, noting that some officials may harbor personal biases that influence decisions. Bera stressed that senior US leadership should focus on strategic partnerships rather than rhetoric or unilateral policy decisions.
“I don’t think rhetoric like that is helpful in the relationship,” he said, referring to Navarro’s comments on India and Russia-Ukraine.
The Modi-Trump Dynamic
Interestingly, Bera highlighted the personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, noting that a strong relationship between the two leaders could help smooth over policy disagreements.
“President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have a very strong relationship, and one of mutual respect. It hasn’t sounded respectful in the last few days, but they had a good phone call last week, and hopefully they’ll have a chance to meet during the Quad Leaders Summit.”
Bera suggested that such meetings could provide opportunities for direct dialogue, helping resolve tensions caused by controversial policies and ensuring the US-India relationship remains on track.
US Congressional Oversight
The interview shed light on Congress’s perspective. Bera expressed frustration that Congress was not consulted before the H-1B fee increase.
“Congress was not informed ahead of time. We’re going to talk to the folks on the various committees and ask the administration to provide some clarity.”
He highlighted the need for structured policymaking, where stakeholders, including lawmakers, businesses, and foreign partners, are consulted to avoid unintended consequences.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
Bera also touched on other geopolitical issues affecting US-India relations, such as sanctions on the Chabahar port and broader trade tensions. He questioned the logic of singling out India for tariffs, noting that China continues to purchase Russian oil.
“Most of us in Congress, Democrats and Republicans, see the importance of India’s economic rise. But we also see the importance of India as a stabilizing influence in not just South Asia, but throughout the Indo-Pacific.”
He emphasized that India’s strategic and economic role in the region cannot be ignored, and that punitive measures like sudden H-1B fee hikes could undermine bilateral cooperation.
Ambassadorial Role and Diplomatic Channels
Bera welcomed the appointment of Sergio Gor as the new US Ambassador to India, expressing hope that the diplomat could strengthen communication between the two countries.
“It’s good that there is an ambassador because having a lead diplomat here could also, hopefully, help them in the relationship.”
He also noted that Gor’s additional role as special envoy for South and Central Asia is unprecedented, and clarity on responsibilities is needed to maximize effectiveness.
US Role in India-Pakistan Relations
The interview touched on US involvement in regional security, particularly the India-Pakistan ceasefire efforts. Bera stressed that the US can play a supportive role but ultimately, peace depends on the two countries themselves.
“At the end of the day, it’ll be up to India and Pakistan. America should play a supporting role.”
He further noted that Congress views India as a strategic partner, while Pakistan’s trajectory is marked by political instability and alignment with China, emphasizing the contrast between the two countries.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening US-India Ties
Bera concluded with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing that US-India relations are bigger than any single policy or president.
“The relationship has to last beyond any one presidency. Whether Prime Minister Modi goes to the US or President Trump comes here, the two leaders are fond of each other. I genuinely believe they like each other, and have some respect; this is a hiccup, and a meeting between the two leaders would be positive, not negative.”
He reiterated the importance of long-term collaboration in technology, trade, defense, and diplomacy, and stressed that Congress is committed to ensuring the relationship continues to thrive.
Key Takeaways for Businesses and Professionals
- H-1B visa uncertainty may disrupt hiring: Companies dependent on foreign talent should closely monitor policy updates.
- High fees could drive talent abroad: Indian tech professionals may explore opportunities in India or other countries if US costs become prohibitive.
- Congressional engagement is critical: Policymaking without consultation can create instability in international business and trade.
- Diplomacy matters: Strong personal relationships between leaders can help navigate policy turbulence.
- Long-term strategy is key: US-India relations are multifaceted and extend beyond any single policy decision.
Conclusion
Congressman Ami Bera’s candid remarks underscore the tensions between policy, economics, and diplomacy in the context of the H-1B visa changes. While the new fee structure has created uncertainty for tech companies and skilled workers, Bera emphasizes that solutions exist through consultation, diplomacy, and strategic dialogue.
The US-India partnership, shaped by trade, defense cooperation, and shared democratic values, remains robust. Lawmakers like Bera advocate for policies that support economic growth while maintaining strong bilateral ties, ensuring that both nations continue to benefit from collaboration in innovation, technology, and global leadership.
For professionals, businesses, and policymakers, the message is clear: thoughtful, inclusive decision-making is crucial to sustaining a relationship that could define the 21st-century Indo-Pacific landscape.
