The H-1B visa program remains a cornerstone of the United States' strategy to attract skilled foreign workers, primarily in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This initiative, while lauded for drawing global talent, faces criticism for allegedly undercutting American workers. Indians, who have long been associated with the H-1B program, continue to dominate this segment, with 65% of visa holders working in computer-related jobs as of 2023. Despite its benefits, the program has sparked controversy and debate about its impact on the domestic workforce and immigration policies.
In 2023, H-1B visa holders earned a median annual salary of $118,000 (£94,000), highlighting the program's role in attracting top talents. However, the program has also been accused of widespread fraud and abuse, particularly by major Indian IT firms. Critics argue that for over a decade, American tech workers have been systematically replaced by cheaper H-1B visa holders. Companies invest significantly in legal and government fees for these costly visas, underscoring the program's complexity and expense.
"For more than a decade, Americans working in the tech industry have been systematically laid off and replaced by cheaper H-1B visa holders," said Farah Stockman.
Since its inception, the H-1B visa program has fostered a "new map of Indian-Americans" in the US. More than a million Indians, including dependents, are currently waiting in employment-based green card categories. The program allows visa holders to live and work in the US for up to six years, providing a temporary solution for skilled professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
The Indian tech industry has adjusted its hiring practices in response to criticism, prioritizing US worker hiring and utilizing H-1B visas only when unable to find locals with necessary skills. This approach has led Indian tech giants to hire and support nearly 600,000 American workers and invest over a billion dollars in upskilling nearly three million students across 130 US colleges.
"Our countries share a strong and growing economic and technological partnership, and the mobility of skilled professionals is a vital component of this relationship," stated Randhir Jaiswal.
However, the H-1B visa program has not been free from political scrutiny. Under President Donald Trump, rejection rates soared to 24% in 2018, compared to 5-8% during President Barack Obama's administration and 2-4% under President Joe Biden. This tightening of visa approvals led to increased denial rates and slower processing times.
"The first Trump administration tightened H-1B visas by increasing denial rates and slowing processing times, making it harder for people to get visas in time," explained Stephen Yale-Loehr.
"It is unclear whether that will happen again in the second Trump administration," he added.
Despite these challenges, the total number of approved H-1B applicants under President Biden remained similar to those during Trump's first term. The future of the H-1B program continues to be a point of contention among policymakers. Some, like Elon Musk, advocate for preserving the visas, while others seek to restrict all forms of immigration, including H-1Bs.
"Some people like Elon Musk want to preserve the H-1B visas, while other officials in the new administration want to restrict all immigration, including H-1Bs," noted Yale-Loehr.
"It is too early to tell which side will prevail," he remarked.
The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has left many aspiring professionals in limbo. Ashish Chauhan, one such individual facing these challenges, expressed his frustration with the volatile landscape of US immigration.
"I can't park my ambitions, put my life on hold and wait for the volatility to subside because it's been like this for years now," said Chauhan.
"Any immigration changes in the US will take time to implement. Students should pick the best college for them, wherever that may be. With good immigration counsel, they will be able to figure out what to do," advised Yale-Loehr.
The rise of Indian-Americans as one of the highest educated and highest earning groups in the US underscores their significant contributions to the country's economic landscape. This demographic shift reflects both the opportunities afforded by programs like the H-1B visa and the challenges faced by those navigating its complexities.
"Rise of Indian-Americans into the highest educated and highest earning group, immigrant or native in the US," noted authors of The Other One Percent.