Trump Hikes H-1B Visa Fees to $100K, Sparking Global Outcry Among Tech Firms and Students – 9/20/2025, 4:24:37 PM

Key global news as of September 20, 2025, includes escalating conflict in Ukraine, a major US visa fee hike, ongoing violence in Gaza, and political controversies involving the Trump administration[4][6][8].

• Ukraine Conflict: Russia has launched a “massive” wave of attacks across Ukraine, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens injured[6]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to meet US President Donald Trump next week at the UN General Assembly as Russian strikes intensify[4].

• US Policy and Politics:

  • President Donald Trump has sharply increased H-1B visa application fees to $100,000, causing concern among Indian tech firms and international students who see this as a significant barrier to working in the US[4].
  • The Trump administration has requested $58 million from Congress to increase security for executive and judicial branches following heightened domestic tensions[2].
  • A Trump-backed health panel has questioned the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, declining to explicitly recommend them, which some experts warn is based on “myths” and “anecdotes”[4].
  • President Trump has also criticized negative media coverage as “illegal,” intensifying debates on free speech after the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s show[4].
• Middle East: Gaza City remains under intense Israeli assault, leaving many Palestinians traumatized, according to local civil defense authorities[4].

• Terrorism: The US National Counterterrorism Center has warned that al Qaeda’s recent calls for attacks highlight the group’s ongoing threat to US security, citing the risk of global conflicts being leveraged by terrorist groups[4].

• Science and Health: Progress in Alzheimer’s research includes two new drugs and a pioneering blood test, though questions about effectiveness remain[4].

• Other Developments:

  • A far-right rally in London drew more than 100,000 participants[2].
  • Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday[2].
  • The last solar eclipse of 2025 is occurring, though it will not be visible in India[4].

These are the most significant world news headlines as of September 20, 2025, based on current authoritative sources.