- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A social media post by an anonymous tech worker has struck a chord with H-1B visa holders and immigrant professionals across the United States, highlighting growing anxiety about their status and future amid new policy changes. Many users expressed feeling increasingly unwelcome despite years of legal residency and substantial contributions to the American economy.
The viral post references US President Donald Trump’s September 19 order, which imposed a USD 100,000 application fee on companies applying for new H-1B visas. The author wrote, “September 19 was just the start. The golden age of H-1B is over. We should all start packing and planning now.” The announcement has fueled widespread concern among tech employees about the future of skilled immigration.
USCIS Clarifications Amid Rising Concerns
The USCIS clarified that the proclamation does not apply to any previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas, or to petitions submitted before 12:01 am. Eastern Daylight Time on September 21, 2025. It also confirmed that current H-1B holders can continue to travel in and out of the United States, addressing earlier reports of potential travel restrictions.
Tech Workers Voice Frustration and Uncertainty
Despite these clarifications, many in the tech sector feel targeted. “Despite the fact that we've worked hard, never actually practised the discrimination we're accused of, and tried to be good, upstanding people, we’re being targeted,” the post read. The author criticised the ongoing narrative portraying H-1B hires as harmful to American workers, calling it “mass hysteria” that shows no sign of abating.
Commenters on the post voiced a mix of frustration and concern. One wrote, “I honestly do not think there are as many qualified citizens as we're being made to believe. If so, please come out of the woodwork. I've interviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of people.” Another user argued, “The problem is too many H-1Bs… this program should be limited to fewer than 5,000 visas a year, only the top-skilled people should get H-1B. There are almost 2 million H-1B/H4 EAD holders working in the US currently.”
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Others shared firsthand experiences of outsourcing and displacement. One commenter noted, “I’m literally training 15 replacements as we speak, except they’re all based in Bangalore. I’d much rather have H-1B than this.” The post and ensuing discussion underscore the uncertainty faced by immigrant professionals, even those with legal visas.