• Source:JND
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Trump H-1B news: An Indian software engineer’s cheerful post about moving to the United States has unexpectedly gone viral after it coincided with a major policy announcement by US President Donald Trump targeting H-1B visas.

The engineer, identified as Jatin, who works as a Software Development Engineer (SDE) at Atlassian, shared a life update on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). His post featured a photograph of himself in front of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge with the caption, “Life update: Relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area!” The post quickly drew congratulatory messages from friends and colleagues, celebrating his move to the Bay Area, a dream destination for many Indian tech professionals.

Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Rule Announced Hours Later

However, just hours after Jatin’s post, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing an unprecedented annual fee of USD 100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh) on H-1B visa applications. The move, he said, was intended to ensure that only “highly skilled workers” entered the United States, preventing the displacement of American employees. “We need workers. We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that’s what’s going to happen,” Trump stated while defending the steep hike. The announcement sent shockwaves across the Indian IT community, as India remains the single largest source of H-1B visa recipients.

Jatin, seemingly caught off guard by the timing, returned to X to write a lighthearted follow-up, “Couldn’t have picked a worse day to post this update.” The self-deprecating remark only fueled the post’s virality, with thousands of users responding. While some sympathised with him, others offered humorous takes. One user commented, “Sorry, bro! But India will treat you a lot better.” Another wrote: “Relax, Jatin! No one knows what’s going to happen in the next hour.” A third user added, “Well, you just escaped. No hate. All the best! Work hard. Do come back and contribute if you can!”

The incident has sparked a larger online debate. Many expressed concerns that the new H-1B visa fee could deter Indian professionals and startups from expanding to the US. Others argued that it might open up opportunities for skilled workers to contribute more actively to India’s growing tech ecosystem.

India Watches Closely

The H-1B visa, introduced in 1990, allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised fields such as technology, engineering, medicine, and research. Over the years, it has become the most sought-after pathway for Indian software engineers and technology professionals aspiring to work in Silicon Valley and other US tech hubs.

ALSO READ: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee Rule Comes Into Effect, Indian Embassy In Washington Issues Emergency Helpline | 5 Key Facts

The Indian Embassy in Washington has opened an emergency assistance number (+1-202-550-9931, including WhatsApp support) for Indian nationals affected by the sudden rule. Officials emphasised that the number is only for emergencies and not for routine queries. Earlier, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is studying the full implications of the new regulation, in consultation with industry stakeholders. A government spokesperson noted that the measure could also have humanitarian consequences, disrupting families of Indian professionals already working in the US. The government has directed its missions to extend all possible help to those traveling back to the US in the coming days.

 ALSO READ: Indian Officials Engaging With US Administration, IT Industry To Find Solution Of H1-B Visa Fee Hike: Report

For now, Jatin’s viral post has become symbolic of the uncertainty surrounding Indian tech workers in the US at a time when immigration remains a contentious political issue in Washington.