Influencer narrates ordeal after sudden $100,000 H-1B visa fee rule forces partner to cut short Italian holiday
A dream vacation in Rome took an unexpected turn for an Indian-origin couple after US President Donald Trump’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike compelled the boyfriend to abruptly fly back to the United States, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
In a video posted on Saturday, influencer lifeofrgr shared her experience: “Crazy turn of events. My boyfriend had to get out of our Italian pasta-making class in Rome… not just the class, leave Rome! Because of the whole H-1B $100,000 visa situation that’s going into effect Saturday at midnight. And it’s literally midday in Rome right now.”
Influencer says boyfriend left pasta-making class mid-way to catch flight back to US
She explained that he booked the next available flight to the US, leaving her to continue the trip solo. “Italian vacations can happen again, I’m not stressed. But it does make me wonder about people who can’t just drop everything and buy a ticket back, or who are too far away to make it in time. Their entire world flipped upside down overnight,” she said.
Despite the disruption, she tried to keep the mood light. “I (obviously) finished the class & ate enough pasta for both of us. Hope all of you are safe and okay,” she wrote in her post caption.
The incident highlights the ripple effects of the abrupt visa rule change, which has forced many H-1B workers and their families to cut short trips, abandon plans, and rush back to the US before the fee deadline.