Summary
Rohan Mehta spent over $8,000 on flights to return to the US before a new visa fee deadline. President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee for new skilled worker visa applications, causing confusion and urgency among current H-1B visa holders. The White House later clarified that the fee would not apply to current visa holders.
Key Facts
- Rohan Mehta, using a false name, spent over $8,000 on flights to get back to the US from India.
- President Trump signed an order adding a $100,000 fee for new skilled foreign worker visa applicants.
- The new fee was intended for the visa program used by US-based companies for hiring skilled workers.
- Many immigration lawyers advised current H-1B visa holders outside the US to return before the order was effective.
- The White House later clarified the fee would be a one-time charge only for new visa applications, not for current visa holders.
- Workers from India receive over 70% of the 85,000 H-1B visas issued each year.
- H-1B visas are given to skilled professionals with a job offer in the US.
- The situation caused confusion and anxiety among visa holders.
