Latest news with #H‑1B
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
H‑1B visa rules outdated, US tech execs warn; Indian techies vital to maintain global edge
US technology firms say their global edge is under threat due to restrictive immigration policies that block Indian talent from entering the country. Senior leaders warn that this is slowing innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, software engineering, and semiconductors. Survey highlights deep concern A new survey by Manifest Law of over 500 senior tech leaders shows deep concern about the state of US immigration policy — and its long‑term impact on the technology sector. According to the survey, 93% of tech leaders said high‑skilled immigrants are vital for US global competitiveness, and 35% called their role 'critically important' to their company's future. 'The roles most impacted are STEM‑related — software engineers, AI professionals, hardware specialists, and even startup founders,' said Nicole Gunara, principal immigration lawyer at Manifest Law. 'These aren't just workers. They are innovators. And companies are struggling to get them through the door,' she added. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Shortages in AI talent drive urgency The AI talent shortage is the second biggest challenge impacting skilled immigration, after global competition for workers, the survey said. Tech leaders warn that access to AI talent is vital for long‑term growth. According to McKinsey, firms that adopt AI and digital tools outperform others by as much as six times in shareholder returns. Without faster, more modern immigration policies, the US risks falling behind in critical industries. Live Events You Might Also Like: When can the US revoke your H‑1B visa — legally? Visa costs and delays rising sharply High government visa fees are the biggest barrier for firms trying to hire international staff, followed by delays and rising legal costs. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) increased the base H‑1B petition fee for large employers by 70%. The initial H‑1B registration cost rose from $10 to $215 for fiscal year 2025. According to Manifest Law, Indian professionals have been hit hardest — from 2022–2023, 72.3% of all H‑1B visas went to Indian nationals, and nearly half of all STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) applicants were from India. 'Indian nationals fill a massive part of the US STEM talent gap ,' said Gunara. 'The US simply doesn't have the domestic pipeline to keep up. At some point, policymakers will have to recognize that bringing in highly skilled immigrants is the fastest and most effective solution.' Support grows for targeted reforms The survey found strong support for targeted reforms. About 56% of leaders want an increased H‑1B cap, and 56% support a new visa for venture‑backed startups. Another 62% called for industry‑specific visa programmes, and 64% wanted clearer pathways from student visas to green cards. In total, 74% said the immigration process needs to be simpler, and 67% supported investing in better technology to modernize it. You Might Also Like: H-1B visa registrations drop 27% due to fee hike and policy changes 'We see firsthand how high‑skilled legal immigrants drive innovation in the tech sector — from founding startups to leading cutting‑edge projects,' said Gunara. 'Ensuring they have a clear and timely path to contribute isn't just good policy — it's good business.' Warning on long‑term impact Orn Bodvarsson, a senior economist and academic, warned that current policies could reduce the long‑term appeal of the US for Indian students and professionals. 'They are facing fewer opportunities, higher risks, and lower returns on education investments. Over time, that means reduced demand for US university admissions and job offers. The bottom line is short‑ and long‑term Indian immigration will fall,' he said. As the US aims to lead in next‑generation technologies, experts say its future depends not just on investment and infrastructure, but also on its ability to attract global talent. Without a more open and modern immigration process, it risks falling behind in AI, entrepreneurship, and other critical areas of growth. You Might Also Like: Is the H-1B visa lottery rigged against foreign skilled workers?
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
When can the US revoke your H‑1B visa — legally?
Recent immigration measures under President Trump have alarmed even legal immigrants. Enhanced border scrutiny now targets green-card holders and visa holders based on speech or travel history, not just unlawful entry. A sweeping travel ban now affects nationals from numerous countries—including legal residents and tourists—raising fears of sudden entry denials. The expansion of expedited deportations, even targeting those attending court hearings, and public comments suggesting green-card holders have no guaranteed right to remain, have exacerbated widespread uncertainty among legal residents. These moves have added to the unease felt by H‑1B visa holders as well. Even those with long‑standing jobs and legal status worry about tighter enforcement and sudden changes that could affect their right to work and stay in the US. The fear is that policies making it harder for legal residents and visa holders to maintain their status will also impact H‑1B holders, making long‑term planning in the US more uncertain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo The H‑1B visa allows skilled professionals to work in the US, but it is tied to specific conditions. The US government can revoke an H‑1B visa if certain rules are not followed. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Here is an explanation of when and why this can happen. Live Events Why the H‑1B Visa Might Be Revoked The H‑1B visa is granted for a specific employer and role. It can be revoked if the person no longer works for that employer, if rules are broken, or if information used for the visa application is found to be false. 1. End of Employment If an employee leaves their H‑1B employer, the employer must inform US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In this case, USCIS can revoke the petition. 2. Employer Request An employer can ask USCIS to withdraw the H‑1B petition at any time, especially when an employee is no longer with the company. 3. Violation of Visa Terms If an H‑1B holder works for a different employer or in a role that was not authorized, it is considered a breach of status. USCIS can revoke the visa as a result. 4. Misrepresentation or Fraud If it is found that an H‑1B petition was granted based on false information or misrepresentation, the visa can be revoked. 5. Company Changes If the employer goes out of business, closes, or undergoes significant structural changes that affect the role, the H‑1B petition can be revoked. 6. Failure to Maintain Status If the visa holder stops working and does not maintain status or seek a change to another status, USCIS has the right to revoke the H‑1B. The H‑1B visa can be revoked when an employee leaves their job, when an employer requests it, when visa conditions are violated, when fraud is detected, or when the employer's business status changes. Understanding these conditions is important for both employers and visa holders to stay compliant and protect their status in the US.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Silicon Valley would become Stupid Valley': MAGA activist schooled for demanding reservation for US citizens in tech jobs
As H-1B remains a concern for US tech workers, a new controversy started when Gavin M Wax, a prominent conservative political strategist and former president of the New York Young Republicans, said that Silicon Valley should be reserved for Americans. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Calling is a national security risk to allow immigrants to work in Silicon Valley, Wax wrote: "Silicon Valley is a strategic national asset whose jobs should be legally reserved for US citizens." The post comes amid growing friction between national-security-focused conservatives and big-tech advocates who argue H‑1B visas are vital to maintaining America's innovation edge. The latest flashpoint began late last year, when tech leaders including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defended the program. Ramaswamy stirred controversy by asserting that American culture had 'venerated mediocrity over excellence,' a line echoed by Musk, who warned of a domestic talent shortage A fresh H-1B row started after the USCIS revealed the number of 2026 H-1B applications that it approved. Though the number if the lowest, MAGA activists are disappointed that the Donald Trump administration is not stopping foreigners from stealing American jobs. While Donald Trump had always been pro-H-1B, recently he said he wants foreign students to come, study and then work in the US, including those from China. Social media reacted sharply to Wax's post as they questioned whether the activist has any understanding of Silicon Valley's demography, as more than 60 per cent of Silicon Valley's workforce is foreign-born. "Tell me you've never stepped foot in the valley without telling me you've never stepped foot in the valley," one commented. "If that would be the case, Silicon Valley would be called a Stupid Valley," another wrote. "This is so beyond incorrect and would destroy innovation. Attracting amazing immigrants is one of our greatest strengths," a third user wrote. "Over 70% of software engineering jobs in California are taken by someone born outside the USA. That ship sailed ages ago," one wrote.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
H-1B visa registrations drop 27% due to fee hike and policy changes
The number of H-1B visa cap registrations for FY 2026 has declined significantly, according to new data released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ). Only 3.58 lakh registrations were submitted this year, marking a 26.9% fall from the 4.78 lakh entries received in 2025. Compared to FY 2024, this marks a sharp drop of over 54%. Out of the total registrations this season, 120,141 have been selected for the next stage. The H-1B programme allows 85,000 work visas each year, including 20,000 reserved for applicants with US master's degrees. The programme remains vital for Indian IT professionals and US tech employers. The USCIS attributed the lower registration numbers to recent policy enforcement, changes in the registration process, and increased costs. The agency has taken action against fraud, particularly targeting duplicate entries. 'Based on evidence from the FY 2023 and FY 2024 H-1B cap seasons, we undertook extensive fraud investigations, denied and revoked petitions accordingly, and continue to make law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecution,' USCIS said in an official statement. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The statement added: 'We are also reviewing the FY 2025 and FY 2026 data for any attempts to gain an unfair advantage through the beneficiary-centric selection process.' The agency said it will continue strict enforcement, including petition denials, revocations, and criminal referrals. Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ US tech company penalised by Department of Justice for favouring H‑1B visa workers over American candidates US: Social media post alleges Indians face frozen bank accounts before deportation; no official confirmation yet What's changing for international students in the US right now? « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT The most notable policy change this year was the increase in the registration fee, from $10 to $250. This cost shift has deterred some potential applicants, particularly international students and early-career professionals. The changing mood around H-1B is also leading some to explore options outside the US. Countries like Australia, Germany, and the UAE are gaining attention. These developments may alter the flow of Indian students to the US. 'The ' American Dream ' of immediate employment at a high salary with full sponsorship of an H-1B visa will elude most foreign students.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
US: Social media post alleges Indians face frozen bank accounts before deportation; no official confirmation yet
A viral post on social media has triggered debate and concern over claims that some Indians in the US are having their bank accounts frozen before deportation. The post, shared on X, said, 'A lot of Indians are getting their bank accounts frozen before getting deported.' It went on to call the move a 'sure sign of deportation.' According to a report by the Times of India , the post quickly gained traction among users supporting strict immigration enforcement. The comments come in the backdrop of the Trump administration's renewed immigration crackdown, especially after the recent unrest in Los Angeles that followed immigration raids. While some individual reports have surfaced about migrants having their accounts frozen before deportation, there is currently no official confirmation that this is a standard procedure by US authorities. — nasescobar316 (@nasescobar316) Commenters on the post questioned the legal status of those reportedly affected. One user said, 'Many were given endless H-1B extensions as they were on a long waiting list for a Green Card… Trump has restored order and if your visa runs out, you have to leave NOW.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Another comment read, 'My husband works for a well-known company and apparently they have an Iranian employee who just got notice that he's being sent back… He told me another nationality, too, but I can't remember.' Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ US tech company penalised by Department of Justice for favouring H‑1B visa workers over American candidates India's Green Card wait: July Bulletin advances dates for many, potentially speeding up cases « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT The speculation comes at a time when immigration enforcement is under intense public scrutiny. A recent video of an Indian student being handcuffed and deported at Newark Airport also sparked widespread reaction in India. In response, the US Embassy in India stated, 'The US welcomes legitimate travellers while illegal entry, abuse of visas or the violation of US law remain punishable.' There is no official statement yet from US immigration authorities on the viral claims regarding bank account freezes as a formal part of deportation procedures.
