Washington, D.C., USA: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has come under fire for his recent statements. He controversially suggested that individuals who do not work should be barred from entering the United States. His remarks have been perceived as a direct insult to Indians, sparking widespread anger online.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has signed a major executive order concerning the H-1B visa program. Under the new rule, companies must now pay an annual fee of $100,000 per H-1B visa application, which takes effect immediately. This move will significantly affect countries like India and China, where a large share of professionals rely on these visas to work in the US.

Commenting on the policy, Howard Lutnick stated: “Every H-1B visa will now carry a fee of $100,000 per year. American IT companies should focus on hiring citizens of our country. We must stop people who come here without contributing. Only the most skilled and valuable professionals should enter. If training is required, let it go to young graduates from our top universities. Let’s train Americans instead of bringing in foreign workers who are taking away our jobs.”

His remarks quickly spread across social media, drawing sharp criticism. Many netizens believe his words unfairly target Indians, as they represent 71% of H-1B visa holders, followed by China at 11.7%. These visas are typically valid for three to six years. Reports indicate that nearly 2.8 million people from the Telugu states alone hold H-1B visas.

Over the years, thousands of foreign professionals have entered the US through the H-1B program and secured high-paying jobs. Currently, the system operates through a lottery process: applicants first pay a base fee, and if selected, they must pay additional charges. In most cases, sponsoring companies bear these costs. With the newly imposed $100,000 annual fee, businesses will face an enormous financial burden. Each year, the US issues 85,000 H-1B visas through this lottery system.