Day: September 24, 2025

• Software engineer Abhishek Singh says the new $100,000 H-1B fees made him rethink staying in the US.
• Singh says he still supports President Donald Trump.
• After nine years in the US waiting for a green card, he’s now considering moving back to India.

Abhishek Singh, a 42-year-old software engineering manager in Washington state, has lived in the US for a decade on an H-1B visa. He initially thought the new $100,000 H-1B fee would apply to him — and for a few harrowing hours, he and his wife began making plans to uproot their lives and return to India.

It turned out that the fee only applies to new H-1Bs, not current holders like Singh. He says the episode shook his confidence. After nine years of waiting for a green card, and with no guarantee that future policy changes won’t upend his family’s life, Singh says he is still considering moving back to India for the first time since he arrived in the US.

He told Business Insider why he still supports President Donald Trump, even though the policy has left him ready to leave the country he once hoped to call home. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I thought I’d have to leave the US imminently

Most H-1Bs are Indians. I’m Indian. I came here 10 years ago with Amazon, made a life here, and I’m thankful to the USA.

That morning, before the Trump administration clarified current holders wouldn’t be affected, I thought there was no way I could raise $100,000 to pay this fee and that I would eventually need to leave or be removed by ICE.

Me and my wife planned everything: what should we do with our dog, how to pack everything, how long we have. Those 12 hours were my hardest in the USA.

Even though I’m not directly affected, I still might leave the US

I’m concerned that if these kinds of policies can be turned out in one day, why wouldn’t there be more updates to this policy which can impact me in the future? I’m worried about that part. I haven’t seen any positive signs from the administration saying something like, we won’t touch any legal residents.

I hadn’t thought of leaving the US before. It all started that morning when I posted on LinkedIn about leaving. I am still considering moving out, and India is my first choice, since it’s my home country.

I still support Trump, just not this policy

I still support the Trump administration even though I think this decision, in my opinion, will harm the US economy.

I’m a big supporter of Trump. I even fought with my neighbors when they were talking against him. The reason is simple: what he was talking about in his rallies was all about making America great. Everyone should be proud of their country and make it better. I wanted that, too, and if the US grows, I grow.

I support what Trump is doing against illegal immigrants. Any country has the right to do that.

Indians are here legally. They’re law-abiding people.

I haven’t seen any evidence that H-1Bs take American jobs

If people are capable, they should get the job. Do we have any data of how many people there are in the US who are unemployed because of H-1Bs? We are talking about this problem, but there’s no numbers to support that.

I need stability in my life

I am sad. I never thought I would move out. I planned to get a green card and get citizenship in the future. But things are not working out. It’s making my life unstable — that’s something nobody wants. With two kids to raise, I want stability in my life so I can raise them in a proper environment.

I’m definitely waiting for my green card, but that queue is not moving at all. It’s been nine years now. I applied as soon as I came to the US. Nine years, and it’s not moving. I wish it had been approved.

Brussels – On Wednesday, Atos, a Paris-listed multinational information technology service and consulting company, announced its leadership of a consortium with Leonardo to deliver cybersecurity services to the European Union, reports 24brussels.

The contract between the European Union and Atos is valued at up to 326 million euros and will span a period of up to 48 months, targeting the protection of EU institutions’ cloud and information systems.

This arrangement falls under Lot 1 (Technical Operations Services) of the European Commission’s CLOUD II Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS 2) Mini-Competition 17 (MC17) for Cybersecurity. Atos will provide critical cybersecurity services to various EU institutions, agencies, and bodies, focusing on operational support, advisory services, and the development of cybersecurity capabilities.

The partnership combines Atos’ cybersecurity expertise with Leonardo’s complementary skills, ensuring high standards of resilience and operational efficiency for the European Commission. The project is managed by the Directorate-General for Digital Services (DG DIGIT) within the European Commission.

What services will Atos provide to the EU?

As part of this significant contract, Atos aims to offer a range of professional services designed to enhance the technical operations of the EU’s cloud and information systems. The contract’s focus on operational performance is expected to bolster the EU’s cybersecurity posture amidst increasing digital threats.

What previous cybersecurity contracts has Atos secured in Europe?

Previously, Atos was awarded a major cybersecurity service contract by the European Union in 2018, collaborating with Airbus Defence and Space. This six-year framework contract aimed to provide advanced cybersecurity solutions for safeguarding the IT systems of 17 key EU institutions and agencies.

Airbus led the consortium, facilitating collaboration among service providers to implement coordinated cyber protections including surveillance, warning, detection, and response, while also developing strategies for future threats.