Trump Targets H-1B Visas: Why Indian Diaspora CEOs Like Pichai and Nadella Are Staying Silent

In a move that's rippling through the tech world, US President Donald Trump has introduced tough new restrictions on H-1B visas, the program many skilled immigrants rely on to work in America. Signed last week, the presidential proclamation now demands a hefty one-time fee of $100,000—roughly Rs 88 lakh—for every new H-1B application. This could make it far costlier for companies to bring in international talent, hitting industries like tech especially hard.

The H-1B visa has long been a gateway for professionals from countries like India, fueling the growth of Silicon Valley giants. But as the policy takes effect, one voice is notably absent: that of Indian diaspora CEOs leading some of the biggest US tech firms. Leaders such as Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, Microsoft's Satya Nadella, and Adobe's Shantanu Narayen haven't issued public statements on the changes. Their silence is now under the spotlight, with social media buzzing among Indian users questioning why these influential figures aren't speaking up.

For context, Indian nationals make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, with over 70% of approvals going to them in recent years. Companies like Google and Microsoft depend heavily on this talent pool to innovate and stay competitive. The new fee could strain hiring budgets, potentially slowing down recruitment from abroad and affecting everything from AI development to software engineering teams.

While politicians and advocacy groups have weighed in—critics argue it prioritizes American workers amid economic pressures— the quiet from these CEOs feels particularly telling. Some online commentators see it as a calculated move to avoid political backlash in a divided landscape, while others worry it signals a shift in how global tech leaders navigate US policy.

Looking ahead, the full impact of this proclamation remains to be seen, especially as the tech sector grapples with talent shortages. For now, the lack of response from Indian-origin executives underscores the complex balance between business interests and the very policies that enabled their own journeys to the top. For the full details, check out the original reporting from India Today.