GOPIO Appeals to President Trump to Reconsider or Substantially Reduce New H1-B Fee for America’s Interest

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The India Observer, TIO: (New York, NY: September 23rd, 2025) The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has written to the White House to reconsider the proposed fee hike for new H1-B Visa, at the very least, reduce it substantially in the interest of America’s long-term economic vitality and global leadership. The letter was jointly sent by GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah.

“Our U.S.-based members, as American citizens, are committed to supporting policies that advance the nation’s economic strength, competitiveness, and global leadership,” GOPIO wrote.

“The H-1B visa program has long been an essential driver of American growth and innovation and we urge the Administration to reconsider this significant fee increase, which we believe would run counter to the best interests of the United States,” said GOPIO Chairman Dr. Abraham.

GOPIO’s letter described the benefits of H1-B program in the USA with Key Contributions of H-1B Visa Holders to the United States as follows:

1. Boosting Innovation and Competitiveness
   • A large proportion of H-1B professionals work in STEM fields—particularly technology, biotech, and engineering—where U.S. companies often face talent shortages.
   • Their expertise has helped U.S. firms remain global leaders and has contributed directly to new patents and groundbreaking technologies.
   • Patents issued to the F-1 students that apply for H1-B work visa leads to revenues for USA. Failure to safeguard these Patents, research will move away from US and deprive US citizens rightful access to such patents.

2. 

   Supporting the U.S. Labor Market

   • H-1B professionals complement, rather than displace, American workers by filling highly specialized roles.
   • Their contributions spur business expansion, creating additional jobs for U.S. citizens across industries.
   • Research shows that regions with higher concentrations of H-1B workers enjoy stronger wage growth for both native and immigrant workers.
3. Strengthening Key Industries
   • From major technology companies like Google and Microsoft to hospitals, universities, and research institutions, American industries depend on H-1B talent.
   • These contributions reinforce U.S. leadership in science, medicine, and innovation.
4. Encouraging Entrepreneurship
   1. Many H-1B professionals later become successful entrepreneurs, founding companies that employ thousands of Americans.
   2. Iconic U.S. firms such as Google, Tesla, and Intel were co-founded by immigrants who began their journey through visa programs like H-1B.
5. Driving Economic Growth
   1. H-1B visa holders pay billions in federal, state, and local taxes while contributing to Social Security and Medicare.
   2. Their consumer spending on housing, education, and services further stimulates local economies.
6. Strengthening America’s Future Workforce
   1. With an aging population, skilled immigrants help offset workforce shortages.
   2. They also build valuable global ties that enhance America’s economic and diplomatic relationships.

“America has always thrived by attracting the best and brightest from around the world and to continue making America great, it is vital to preserve policies that draw talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship to our shores, a prohibitively high H-1B application fee would undermine these goals and weaken our competitive edge,” said GOPIO President Shah.

GOPIO has suggested community members to write to the White House at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

About GOPIO

Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with Individual Life Members and chapter delegates from over 100 chapters in 36 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that when they help network the global Indian community, they facilitate making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora, the countries they live in and India.

Curated by Humra Kidwai

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