Top US lawmakers assert that H-1B visa holders not only drive innovation, but help build and strengthen the American economy. They hailed the Trump administration’s decision that is against H-1B visa holders and forcing them to leave the country.
The Democratic Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans,Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, said, “The Trump Administration’s decision to back off this counterproductive proposal is a positive step forward.”
“H-1B visa holders, many of whom become small business owners and job creators, drive innovation and help build and strengthen our economy,” Gabbard said.
Gabbard’s statement followed after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said that it does not consider any proposal that would force H-1B visa holders to deport. And this announcement came after the reports that said the Trump administration considers tightening H-1B visa rules, which may result in the deportation of 7,50,000 Indians.
“While it remains a priority to invest in training and create a pipeline of skilled American workers, we must continue to leverage the talent and expertise of the hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa holders to fill the gaps in our domestic workforce,” Gabbard added.
Earlier, Gabbard and Kevin Yoder, member of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian- Americans, sent a letter to Trump, pleading him to reject the proposal that may lead to deportation of thousands of H-1B holders waiting for permanent residencies.
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According to the reports, the Trump administration backed off from the counterproductive proposal.
Yoder said, “I have seen personally how high-skilled immigrants have helped my community and so many others across the country by filling critical labour shortages in specific industries, preventing employers from fleeing overseas to fill them,”
“These are the people who have helped America grow and thrive as a nation of immigrants and we need to make sure our system continues to value those who are following our laws and doing the right thing,” Yoder added.
Each year, 85,000 H-1B visas are being granted by the US to highly skilled foreign applicants, of which 70% are Indians, seeking educational and employment opportunities.
