As the debate surrounding the H-1B visa programme intensifies, with far-right groups in the United States voicing their opposition, members of the Indian diaspora have come out in support, emphasizing the benefits of the programme in bringing skilled professionals to the country. This sentiment was echoed at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, where diaspora members shared their views to the Indian Express on the future of the visa programme under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
H-1B Visa Programme’s Role in US Workforce
The H-1B visa programme, established in 1990, allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require a high level of skill and at least a bachelor’s degree. The programme was designed to help US employers address skill shortages in sectors where they cannot find qualified workers domestically. However, with Trump’s re-election in November, the programme has once again become a focal point of debate, particularly as far-right groups continue to push for stricter immigration policies.
Indian Professionals Defend H-1B Visas
Sharad Lakhanpal, a Lucknow-based doctor and US citizen who has been living in the US for 40 years, expressed his support for the H-1B programme. According to Lakhanpal, businesses in the US need skilled professionals from India to meet their workforce demands. Though the political landscape is shifting with the new president, we need to wait and see what Trump’s policies will look like. I don’t think his tenure will be adverse to Indians, said Lakhanpal. He pointed out that Trump’s administration has already appointed several Indian-Americans to high-level positions, including Vivek Ramaswamy, who was appointed in the Department of Government Efficiency.
Support from Other Diaspora Members
Sarada Panda, an Odia who has lived in Dallas for 25 years and serves as a vice president at CitiBank, shares similar sentiments. Panda, a US citizen, believes that the Indian workforce is essential for the US economy. “There is a lobby to increase the number of H-1B visas because the business sector needs the skilled workforce that Indians provide,” she told Indian Express.
The H-1B Visa’s Impact on the US and India
Hariaarjun Patro, a Dallas-based businessman from Odisha, praised the H-1B visa programme as a “win-win” situation for both the United States and the countries of origin of the beneficiaries. Patro argued that the programme has significantly contributed to the economies of both countries. The US government has been supportive of professionals from countries like India. It should continue to support the H-1B programme, he said.
Challenges and Uncertainties Ahead
However, the future of the programme remains uncertain. Dr. Debjoyti Roy, a doctor, called the situation “tricky,” acknowledging the need for a skilled workforce but also recognizing that adjustments may be necessary. I hope the new administration will make the right decision, he said.
A delegation from the US also met with Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, further underlining the importance of the H-1B visa programme to both the US and India.