When Policy Shifts Shake Our Communities: Understanding the Emotional Impact of the New H1-B Visa Fee
- Prerna Menon, LCSW
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Immigration is never just about paperwork — it’s about people, families, and futures. The recent announcement around the H1-B visa program has created ripples of uncertainty for immigrant workers and their loved ones. At Boundless, we’ve already seen how these changes can bring stress into the therapy room.
What is the H-1B visa?
The H1-B visa is a legal immigration program that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire skilled foreign workers in “specialty occupations.” These roles are most often in technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare — fields where many South Asian immigrants build their careers.
Originally designed to meet critical workforce needs, the H1-B has long been a lifeline for employers and an entry point for talented international professionals. Each year, demand far exceeds supply. In fact, in the last lottery cycle, more than 339,000 people applied for the 85,000 available spots.
What just changed?
In September, the U.S. government announced a major change: a $100,000 fee for any new H1-B application. This is a steep jump from the typical $2,000–$5,000 filing fees.
• The new cost applies only to new applications filed after September 21.
• It does not apply to renewals or to people who already hold valid H-1B visas.
• Employers — not applicants — are technically responsible for paying this fee, but the financial burden may discourage companies from sponsoring international talent.
For many, the announcement raised immediate fear: Will my visa be affected? Could I lose my status? Will I ever be able to come to the U.S. if I’m abroad? While the clarification that renewals aren’t affected brought some relief, the uncertainty has already taken a toll.
Who’s most impacted?
• Future applicants abroad. Individuals living outside the U.S. who plan to apply in the next H1-B lottery cycle may face an uphill battle, as fewer employers may be willing to pay the new fee.
• Industries reliant on immigrant workers. Tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are among the top H1-B sponsors. Many of their hires come from India and China — communities that now face greater barriers.
• Families. For many immigrants in particular, the H1-B is the gateway to stability in the U.S. Delays or barriers in this process can cause immense stress for entire households.
The mental health impact of immigration uncertainty
For clients navigating these policies, therapy often becomes a space where the headlines feel personal. Here are some common experiences we see:
• Anxiety about the future. Visa holders and applicants often feel like their lives are on pause, unsure if they can plan ahead.
• Workplace stress. Fear of job loss or discrimination can compound the already intense demands of high-pressure industries.
• Family strain. Couples and families may struggle with the possibility of separation or forced relocation.
• Identity and belonging. Constant reminders of being “temporary” can deepen feelings of not fully belonging in either country.
How therapy can help
While we can’t change policy, therapy offers a grounding space for South Asian clients and immigrant families to process these challenges. At Boundless, we:
• Normalize the stress. Policy changes are confusing even for those directly affected. You are not overreacting if you feel anxious or overwhelmed.
• Work with the body’s stress response. Immigration uncertainty can trigger fight-or-flight reactions. We use somatic and grounding practices to help calm the nervous system.
• Strengthen resilience. Therapy can help you separate what’s within your control from what isn’t, while cultivating tools to manage ongoing uncertainty.
• Address cultural stigma. At Boundless, we specialize in working with the South Asians, In South Asian communities, therapy is sometimes seen as a last resort. We reframe it as an act of care and strength, especially when the outside world feels unpredictable.
Final thoughts
The H-1B policy shift is more than a financial change — it’s a reminder of how fragile security can feel for immigrant families. If you’re carrying stress from immigration policies, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. Therapy can be a place to process fear, grieve uncertainty, and find grounding amidst instability.
Ready to feel less alone?
Together, we can rewrite the story.
Authors
LCSW | CCTP Specialties: Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Complex Trauma, Race, Gender &, Sexuality-related Conflicts, Anxiety, Depression & Lack of Fulfillment, Generational Trauma & Family Systems Issues and LGTBQIA+ Relationship Concerns
Begin Therapy Today
Discover the transformative power of therapy today! Explore therapy services tailored to your needs and find culturally sensitive support. Connect with our team of therapists at Boundless and experience the benefits of the right cultural fit. Begin today.
Additional Therapy Services at Boundless
At Boundless, we understand that healing looks different for everyone, which is why we provide a diverse range of therapy services for individuals, couples, and families. Our team offers specialized support for South Asian couples, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those coping with issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Our clinicians use a variety of evidence-based methods, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Somatic Experiencing with mindfulness. We also provide group therapy opportunities, clinical supervision and training for professionals, and flexible online therapy—ensuring clients can access support in ways that work best for their lives.
Comments