The recent proclamation by United States President Donald Trump, imposing a sweeping $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants, has sent ripples through the global tech industry and ignited debate over immigration policies. This significant increase, effective September 21, 2025, is seen as a protective measure, specifically impacting India, whose tech professionals account for over 70% of all H-1B visas. The move is widely perceived as a blow to India's tech industry and its $190 billion services export sector, potentially expanding protectionist barriers.

In the midst of this controversy, an old video of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has resurfaced, highlighting the historical contribution of Indian talent to the American tech giant. In the viral clip, Gates recounts how a group of 15 Indian engineers, all from the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), were instrumental in strengthening Microsoft's engineering capabilities during its early days when finding exceptional talent was challenging. Gates shared this anecdote at an event at the Delhi IIT in 2024, reflecting on how a move initially criticized by both Indian and American media ultimately proved to be