Political debate has started once again in America regarding H-1B Visa. President Donald Trump’s recent order calls for new restrictions and a fee of approximately $1,00,000 (about Rs 83 lakh) on non-immigrant workers, especially H-1B visa holders. The purpose of this step of Trump is said to be to promote domestic employment. Apart from this, American lawmakers and industry experts believe that this decision can be harmful for both America’s technological leadership and India-US partnership.
Four prominent lawmakers from California and Texas, Jimmy Panetta, Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal and Julie Johnson, have written a letter demanding President Trump to reconsider this policy. He says that the H-1B visa program is the fundamental basis of the American economy and innovation. Limiting it will weaken America’s competitiveness in areas like AI, cyber security and scientific research. The lawmakers wrote that this move would prove to be a major blow not only to talented foreign professionals, but also to American startups and research institutions.
There will be a direct impact on India
These MPs specifically took the name of India in their letter and said that this policy can deeply hurt the India-US strategic partnership. He wrote, ‘High-skilled technical talent coming from India is an integral part of our innovation ecosystem. Limiting the H-1B visa program will not only hinder technological progress but will also affect relations with our democratic ally India. According to the information, last year 71% H-1B visas were issued to Indian citizens, which makes it clear that India is the biggest beneficiary country of this program.
Why should America step back when China is increasing investment?
The lawmakers said that when powers like China are investing billions of dollars in artificial intelligence and robotics, America should focus on attracting talent, not limiting it. He warned that if this policy continues to be implemented, it will reduce America’s innovation capacity and weaken its position in global competition.
The burden on small businesses will increase
The MPs also argued that such high fees would make it almost impossible for small startups and research institutes to hire international talent. According to him, this policy will only favor big companies, while the real strength of American innovation lies in small businesses and emerging startups.”
Possible impact on India-US relations
Diplomatic analysts say that this visa policy of Trump can affect the strategic partnership that has been going on between the two countries for years. A large number of Indian professionals work in America in fields like technology, engineering, medicine and finance. Experts say that if new tariffs and restrictions are implemented, it will not only reduce Indian talent flow but will also limit educational and business cooperation between the two countries.
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