H-1B Overhaul and Rising Hostility: Impact on Indian Professionals in the US

Recent policy revisions to the H-1B skilled-worker visa system in the United States have triggered a surge in hostility toward Indian professionals and businesses. Changes introduced by the Trump administration in September 2025—including a massive $100,000 application fee and a wage-based selection process—have fueled a narrative of Indians as “job stealers.” Advocacy groups report a 69% jump in online slurs and a 12% rise in threats of violence against South Asians. Major corporations like FedEx, Walmart, and Verizon have faced coordinated online harassment, with FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam specifically targeted by viral campaigns.