The story so far: On September 19, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation increasing the fee for processing H-1B visas by about 60 times to $1,00,000. The White House underlined that the objective was to help “curb abuses that displace U.S. workers and undermine national security”. A tentative calm returned when Washington clarified the revised fee would only be for new applications, starting September 21, and not for present visa-holders or those up for renewal.

Also read: ’s coverage on U.S. work immigration visa fee hike and its impact

What is the purpose of the hike?

The entire contestation revolves around the perception that the H-1B visa programme was leading to a “disadvantageous labour market for American citizens”. The H-1B programme seeks to help employers in

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