In a significant development that could affect thousands of Indian IT professionals, dozens of US Congress members have launched a strong opposition against President Donald Trump's proposed $100,000 entry fee for new H-1B visas.
Bipartisan Opposition Gains Momentum
A coalition of 30 US lawmakers, representing both Democratic and Republican parties, has written a compelling letter to the White House, urging immediate withdrawal of the controversial proposal that would dramatically increase costs for companies hiring foreign skilled workers, particularly those from India.
Healthcare Sector Concerns Take Center Stage
The congressional members highlighted that the timing couldn't be worse, emphasizing that the proposed fee hike would severely impact the US healthcare system already struggling with COVID-19 challenges. Many American hospitals rely on international medical professionals, including doctors and nurses on H-1B visas, to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Indian IT Industry Faces Major Threat
The proposed rule change poses a significant threat to Indian IT companies and professionals who constitute the largest group of H-1B visa recipients. The lawmakers argued that this measure would essentially price out many qualified professionals and disrupt the technology sector's ability to fill critical skill gaps.
Economic Recovery at Stake
With the US economy working toward recovery post-pandemic, the congressional letter stressed that restricting access to global talent could hamper innovation and economic growth. The proposed fee structure would make it prohibitively expensive for companies to hire international specialists in STEM fields where domestic talent shortages exist.
The ongoing debate reflects the continuing tension between immigration restrictions and economic necessities, with Indian IT professionals caught in the crosshairs of this policy battle that could reshape the future of global talent mobility.
