India, Aug. 17 -- US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has criticised the proposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, warning that the move could push highly skilled workers away from the US and encourage companies to offshore jobs.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.

President Trump had issued a proclamation in September last year imposing the $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. The move drew criticism from businesses and immigration advocates, who warned that the steep cost could make it harder for US companies to recruit highly skilled foreign workers.

Krishnamoorthi said the fee would effectively act as a '$100,000...