“Not A Single Call From Indian-Americans Urging Change In US Policy”: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Expresses Concerns Over Indian Diaspora’s Silence Over Trump’s H-1B Fee, Tariffs

On 23 September 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the lack of response from the Indian-American community regarding key issues straining India-US relations, including former President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods and the recent decision to increase the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000.

Tharoor’s remarks followed a high-level meeting between a U.S. Congressional delegation and India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, which he chaired. The American delegation, made up of five Democratic lawmakers four from California expressed strong support for bilateral ties despite ongoing policy disagreements.

Among the topics discussed were the steep hike in H-1B visa fees, the U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, and sanctions impacting India’s involvement with Iran’s Chabahar Port. Several U.S. representatives voiced concerns about the Trump administration’s decisions on these fronts.

Tharoor highlighted a surprising revelation during the meeting: despite the impact of these measures, Indian-Americans have largely remained silent. He noted that one of the visiting congresswomen had not received a single call from any Indian-American constituents urging a change in U.S. policy.

“One of the key points raised was the noticeable silence of the Indian-American community,” Tharoor told ANI. “One congresswoman said not a single Indian-American voter had contacted her office about these issues. That’s something we all need to think about. If members of the diaspora care about their relationship with India, they must be more vocal and proactive in engaging with their political representatives in the U.S.”

He also praised the visiting delegation, describing them as long-time friends of India who spoke warmly about strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Tharoor further acknowledged India’s economic resilience and the global contributions of its diaspora, emphasizing that U.S. lawmakers continue to value and prioritize the India-U.S. strategic partnership. “The most important takeaway from this visit is the clear message that American public opinion, particularly in Congress, remains deeply committed to a strong relationship with India,” he said.

Despite challenges including the increased H-1B visa fee, trade tariffs, and port-related sanctions Tharoor said the broader commitment to collaboration remains intact.

In an earlier interview, Tharoor described the new H-1B fee policy as “the third blow” to Indian interests under Trump’s administration, but noted it could have long-term benefits for India. While acknowledging short-term difficulties for individuals and businesses, he argued the move might eventually bolster India’s strategic position. “We shouldn’t always see ourselves as victims in these developments,” he remarked.

Just last week, former President Trump signed an executive order raising the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, significantly tightening the program. The administration justified the move by claiming it would prioritize high-skilled foreign workers for jobs that cannot be filled by Americans.

Additionally, the Trump administration proposed a reform to the H-1B selection process, moving away from the random lottery system toward a merit-based approach that favors applicants with higher qualifications and better pay.