The White House has pledged to defend a controversial $100,000 fee for H1B visas amidst claims of fraud and economic disruption. This policy aims to address what the administration describes as rampant exploitation within the visa program, which is vital for employing skilled foreign professionals, particularly in the tech sector. Critics, including the US Chamber of Commerce, argue that the fee violates the Immigration and Nationality Act and could economically cripple smaller firms, ultimately hindering innovation. Furthermore, Indian IT professionals, who significantly benefit from H1B visas, may face challenges as the increased costs could deter companies from utilizing this essential channel, impacting the broader India-US technology partnership and economic collaboration significantly.