In response to US President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, Zoho founder and chief scientist Sridhar Vembu has urged affected Indian professionals to consider returning to
In response to US President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, Zoho founder and chief scientist Sridhar Vembu has urged affected Indian professionals to consider returning to India. Writing on X on Sunday morning, Vembu described the situation as a challenging yet potentially transformative moment for Indians working in the United States.
“Come back home. It may take five years to rebuild your lives, but it will make you stronger,” Vembu wrote, referencing the resilience demonstrated by Sindhi families who rebuilt their lives in India following the partition. His comments have sparked discussion among Indian tech workers and the broader expatriate community.
The Trump administration recently announced a one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, sparking concerns in the Indian tech community. While initially some reports suggested the fee might be annual, the White House later clarified that it applies only to new visa petitions, not renewals or current visa holders.
The fee is intended to come into effect in the next lottery cycle, meaning those selected in this year’s lottery, with visas effective from October 1, will not be required to pay. Other clarifications include:
Despite these clarifications, the announcement has caused concern among Indian tech workers, who hold more than 71% of H-1B visas. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs warned of potential “humanitarian consequences” due to family disruptions and urged the US to address these concerns appropriately.
Sridhar Vembu, a prominent figure in India’s tech ecosystem, addressed the H-1B fee announcement with a message of resilience and opportunity. His advice emphasizes returning to India as a way to rebuild careers and lives stronger than before.
Vembu drew a historical parallel, noting how Sindhi families rebuilt themselves in India after being displaced during partition, turning challenges into long-term success. He suggested that returning to India now could allow Indian professionals to leverage their skills and experience in a growing domestic tech ecosystem.
“Do not live in fear. Make the bold move,” Vembu urged, highlighting the potential for personal and professional growth even amid uncertainty abroad. His comments have resonated with many in India’s tech community, particularly as the country continues to expand its startup ecosystem and technology-driven industries.
Big technology firms, including Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs, have already advised employees with H-1B visas to remain in the US and avoid international travel to prevent complications due to the new fee.
Meanwhile, Indian tech leaders like Vembu are encouraging professionals to consider the growing opportunities at home, where the domestic IT sector is booming and the government is actively promoting innovation, startups, and high-tech industries.
Analysts note that this shift could have long-term benefits for India, as returning talent brings expertise, international experience, and entrepreneurial energy to the domestic market. The move could also strengthen India’s global tech footprint, reducing dependency on H-1B opportunities in the US.
For Indian professionals currently in the US, navigating the H-1B policy requires careful consideration:
Experts suggest that strategic career planning and open dialogue with employers can help mitigate the immediate effects of the policy while identifying pathways for growth and stability.
Vembu’s message resonates beyond the immediate H-1B fee debate. It highlights the resilience of Indian professionals in the face of global policy shifts and encourages embracing challenges as opportunities for reinvention and growth.
By drawing on historical examples of rebuilding and adaptation, Vembu frames the H-1B fee not just as a financial hurdle but as a moment for reflection, strategic career choices, and potential growth in India’s technology landscape.
Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee has stirred concern among Indian tech workers in the US, prompting debates on whether to stay abroad or return home. Amid these discussions, Sridhar Vembu’s message stands out as a call for courage, resilience, and strategic decision-making.
Returning to India, he suggests, may be challenging in the short term but could provide long-term strength and opportunity, mirroring the perseverance of previous generations who rebuilt their lives in the face of adversity. For India’s tech talent, this moment could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s growing innovation and startup ecosystem.
