Passengers in a crowded airplane were observed rushing to exit the aircraft upon learning about a significant increase in foreign visa fees linked to Donald Trump. The incident unfolded at San Francisco airport as travelers prepared to depart for Dubai with Emirates. Concerns arose among passengers regarding potential fees if they failed to return before the specified deadline of September 21.
Confusion surrounded the implementation of the fee, with conflicting statements from authorities. Initially, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested it would be an annual charge, but the White House later clarified it as a one-time payment. The newly imposed fees affected H-1B visas, a category for highly skilled foreign professionals. Notably, existing visa holders were exempt from the fee, rendering the panic among passengers unnecessary.
A passenger named Masud Rana captured the chaos on video, leading to a three-hour delay. Despite the standard protocol of not allowing passengers to deplane once boarded, the pilot made an exception due to the unprecedented circumstances. The captain addressed the situation over the intercom, granting passengers the option to disembark if they wished.
Rana described the scene as “complete chaos” on social media, noting the anxiety among passengers, particularly Indian nationals. The announcement of the visa fee changes caused travel disruptions across the U.S., prompting foreign workers to rush back before the deadline. H-1B visas primarily attract skilled professionals to fill specialized roles in the U.S., with a significant percentage allocated to the tech industry, according to the Pew Research Center.
Clarifications from officials reassured existing H-1B visa holders outside the country that they would not face exorbitant re-entry fees. The ability for visa holders to enter and exit the country remained unaffected by the recent proclamation, providing clarity amid the travel turmoil.