After H-1B Fee Hike, US Senators Target Indian Students’ Work Visas?

After the H-1B visa fee hike proclamation, Republican voices in Washington shifted their attention to international students. Senator Chuck Grassley urged the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop granting work authorisations to student visa holders. This could put the Indian students at risk as they can lose their career pathways in the US.

Taking to X, Grassley wrote: “DHS needs to stop issuing work authorisations to student visa holders who compete against Americans. It’s in direct violation of law and puts USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage. I have sent a letter to DHS Secretary Noem asking her to end work authorisations for foreign student visa holders.”

If action is initiated on this proposal, it would restrict Optional Practical Training (OPT), that allows students work for 12-36 months after finishing their studies.

Further, Grassley said that the DHS needs to stop issuing work authorisations to student visa holders who compete against Americans. “It’s in direct violation of law & puts USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage I sent a letter 2 DHS Scty Noem asking her to end work authorizations 4 foreign student visa holders.”

Grassley’s remarks follow Trump administration’s move to impose a one-time $100,000 application fee on new H-1B visas. The White House has said the charge will not affect renewals or existing visa holders. David Bier of the libertarian Cato Institute criticized Grassley’s call, writing on X: “This would be even worse than ending the H-1B.”

Indian Students To Bear Brunt

The change in fee structure of H-1B would have an strong impact on Indian students. According to the official figures, in 2024, more than 331,000 enrolled. Of them, 200,000 were graduate students, which accounts to 19 percent rise from the previous year. But fresh enrolments are already slowing.

However, Trump has defended his approach arguing that foreign workers suppress wages and displace Americans. The American government data shows that India accounted for 71 pc of all H-1B approvals in 2024, making it the prime benefactor of the programme.

Students Prefer Other Nations

The uncertain political environment and visa pause have led to a drop in the enrolment for Fall 2025, according to preliminary NAFSA data. The hike in visa fee could lead to further reduction in the numbers. Students are now preferring other countries that offer STEM courses, like Germany.