US President Donald Trump is facing demands to withdraw the new fee of $100,000 (about ₹ 83 lakh) recently imposed on H-1B visa. According to reports, a group of American lawmakers has appealed to the President to cancel this decision. He says that strict visa policy can harm America’s technological progress and can also spoil relations with India. It is noteworthy that Indians have 71% share in H-1B visas issued in America, while China is at second place.
Letter to Trump from American MPs
US lawmakers Jimmy Panetta, Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal and Julie Johnson wrote a letter to President Trump on Thursday, in which they demanded to suspend the order Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19. In this order of Trump, a huge fee of $100,000 has been imposed on new H-1B applications, and there is also a proposal to limit the number of foreign students to 15%. Lawmakers have warned that this step will weaken America’s innovation ecosystem and have a negative impact on economic and strategic relations with India.
American tech sector is run by Indian professionals
The lawmakers wrote in their letter, “We recently visited India and realized that the H-1B visa program is not only important for the American economy and national security, but it is also a strong link in our relationship with India and the Indian-American communities.” He said that many big successful companies of America were either founded or run by H-1B visa holders. These people are pushing forward new businesses, employment and technology innovation, due to which America remains on top in the field of technology.
The letter also mentioned that last year, 71% of H-1B visa holders were Indians. Which is considered the backbone of America’s IT and AI sector. China is increasing investment in AI, we should attract talent, not hold back The lawmakers wrote, when China is rapidly investing in artificial intelligence and new technologies, then America needs to attract the world’s best talent, not stop them. He described the H-1B visa system as the main pillar of America’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competitiveness. He also said that research has proven that H-1B professionals contribute significantly to innovation, patent creation and business growth, and do not take away American jobs.
Also important role in strengthening India-America relations
Lawmakers said the H-1B program is not just limited to meeting labor needs, but it also protects America’s technological edge that will determine the global balance of power in the future. Congressman Jimmy Panetta said, the H-1B visa system has played a very important role in America’s innovation story. Today, when AI is growing rapidly, this program is needed more than ever. He further said that this program should not be limited but should be made better and comprehensive, so that it does not remain limited to a few rich corporates.