In the US, the Trump administration has launched at least 175 investigations into potential abuses of the H-1B visa program, under a new initiative called Project Firewall. The effort targets companies allegedly exploiting the visa system, which allows US firms to hire foreign workers in specialised fields such as IT, engineering, and healthcare. This move follows President Trump’s September proclamation imposing a one-hundred-thousand-dollar fee on new H-1B visa applications.

 

 

 

The crackdown has faced legal challenges, including lawsuits from the US Chamber of Commerce, and opposition from lawmakers concerned about its impact on the India-US relationship. They highlighted the role of H-1B holders in founding and leading many successful US companies, creating jobs, and driving technological progress. In 2024, Indian nationals received over 70 per cent of approved H-1B visas, reflecting a high backlog of skilled applicants.

 

 

The administration’s actions signal a continued push to reform the program while focusing on American workers first, but they also raise concerns over impacts on the tech sector and bilateral relations with India.