India, Oct. 6 -- For decades, the H-1B visa symbolised upward mobility for Indian professionals. A sudden proclamation of $100,000 visa fee by President Trump has jolted the aspirants, sparking debate on whether India can reform, retain talent, and seize opportunity. A report by Vibha Sharma

In India, the H-1B visa has long been seen as a U.S.' gateway to high-paying jobs and upward mobility, particularly for IT professionals, engineers, developers, doctors, and scientists-the educated class aspiring for a better life, living the big American dream. So, when U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 supplemental fee on new H-1B visa petitions, it sent shockwaves through not only aspirants but also Indian stock...