Lawmakers Urge Trump to Ease H-1B Visa Curbs, Cite Indian Role

Post by : Raina Nasser

In a strong appeal to the White House, a group of US lawmakers has urged President Donald Trump to reconsider the recent restrictions and high fees imposed on the H-1B visa programme. They emphasised that Indian professionals are vital to America’s leadership in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The appeal, led by US Representative Jimmy Panetta, along with Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, and Julie Johnson, called for a rollback of Trump’s September 19 proclamation, which added a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions and introduced additional restrictions.

The lawmakers argued that the H-1B visa programme is a “cornerstone of US competitiveness” in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They warned that the new restrictions could harm not only America’s innovation ecosystem but also its strategic partnership with India.

“The H-1B programme is essential for maintaining our technological edge and strengthening our defence and innovation base,” the lawmakers wrote in their joint letter.

They further stressed that as China continues to invest aggressively in AI and advanced technologies, the US must ensure access to top global talent to preserve its long-term competitive advantage.

Indian Talent at the Core of US Innovation

According to official data, 71% of H-1B visa holders are Indian nationals, making India the largest contributor of skilled tech professionals to the United States. Lawmakers noted that many of America’s most successful technology companies were founded or led by former H-1B holders who played key roles in job creation and technological innovation.

“Indian nationals are central to US leadership in IT and AI. Restricting them would weaken our innovation and business growth,” the lawmakers said.

They also highlighted that H-1B professionals complement rather than replace American workers, helping boost research, patent creation, and business expansion across the country.

Concerns Over Fee and Visa Access

The proposed USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions has raised concerns among US-based tech companies and startups. Lawmakers warned that such high costs could limit visa access to only large corporations, stifling innovation and diversity in the technology sector.

Representative Jimmy Panetta pointed out that the US should be working to expand the programme, not restrict it.

“The H-1B visa programme is vital to keeping America at the forefront of innovation, especially with the rapid rise of AI,” Panetta said.

Strengthening US-India Ties

The lawmakers also emphasised that the H-1B programme strengthens the US-India strategic partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. By attracting skilled talent from India, the US not only supports its tech sector but also reinforces diplomatic and economic ties with one of its closest democratic allies.

They concluded by urging President Trump to suspend the new proclamation and maintain policies that encourage skilled migration, innovation, and collaboration between the two nations.