Though Trump defended the H-1B visa program on Saturday in an interview with The New York Post, emphasizing that he has "always liked the visas" and has been a "believer" in them, confusing signals from various factions in the new President's immediate ecosystem are anything but re-assuring.
Rather they sends worrying messages to Indians who overwhelmingly secure this highly sought-after visas. Over the past four years, more than 78% of the highest-paid H-1B applicants those with proposed salaries exceeding $1 million per year were from India. Of these high earners, more than 25% were women. And more than 65% of these well-heeled H-1B applicants from India were sponsored by smaller US-based companies.
The H-1B applicants sponsored by US companies generally had higher salary offers compared to those sponsored by companies based in India - who are anyway availing less number of visa in this category. Here's a look the H-1B visa program and why it stirs a political pot and muddies the debate on immigration.
What is it all about
The H-1B non-immigrant visa allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, defined by statute as occupations that require highly specialised knowledge and a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.
The US Congress created the H-1B program in 1990. The law initially capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000.
Since 2004, the number of new H-1B visas issued has been capped at 85,000 per year. Out of this chunk, 20,000 are reserved for foreign students with master's degrees or higher qualifications from American universities.
Though granted for three years, these visas can be extended up to six years.
This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Partners In Power Games
IN July last year, I wrote in this column in response to news that author Neil Gaiman had been accused of sexual assault by two women \"I would bet my last rupee that there are more than two women out there whom he has harmed this way.\"
Consumption growth remains weak: CEO & MD
FMCG demand trends remained subdued with continued moderation in urban growth while rural sustained its gradual recovery, said Rohit Jawa, CEO and managing director of HUL.
2 more bodies found, C'garh gunfight toll 16
THE security forces engaged in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, adjoining Odisha border, had recovered two more bodies of the red rebels, including one female, on Wednesday.
Universality in place of parochialism
Matthew Rankin's Persian-French language Canadian film Universal Language is among the fifteen shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film Oscar and perhaps the most unique of the lot in terms of form, vision, imagination and craft.
US federal staff in diversity roles sent on leave
Administration sends note to all employees at Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accesssibility offices that they be placed on paid leave as the programme is shut
The beauty of Brutalism
TAKE a walk down any Indian street at any time of the day. Go with a singular purpose to soak in the beauty of the buildings that line it.
Airtel's new tariff makes it pricier for base users
BHARTI Airtel's new plan, rolled out following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) directive to introduce a single voice and SMS tariff pack, has made the rates 10-15% more expensive for basic phone users.
Electoral bonds scheme: Petition seeks review of SC's Aug order
A petition filed in the Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a review of its August 2, 2024 order, which dismissed earlier pleas for confiscation of ₹16,518 crore received by political parties under the 2018 electoral bond scheme.
DESIGNER DESTINATIONS!
IN recent years, luxury fashion houses have expanded their influence beyond the runway, venturing into the hospitality sector to offer exclusive hotels, spas and suites that embody their brand's essence and a piece of their history.
Woman among 2 Maoists gunned down in J'khand's Bokaro encounter
IN a breakthrough, security forces gunned down two Maoists, including an area commander, during an anti-Naxal operation in Bokaro early Wednesday morning.
