WASHINGTON — A group of Democratic lawmakers has called on President Donald Trump to roll back his recent crackdown on the H-1B visa program, warning that the move could harm U.S. technological competitiveness and strain relations with India.
In a letter sent Thursday, Representative Jimmy Panetta and four other members of Congress urged Trump to reconsider his September 19 proclamation limiting the H-1B program, which they said poses “potentially negative impacts” on the U.S.–India partnership.
“The H-1B visa program is an important part of why the United States continues to lead in technological innovation and is needed now more than ever with the recent sharp rise of artificial intelligence,” Panetta said. “Although 75 percent of current H-1B visa recipients come from India, the program still needs to be enhanced and increased rather than limited to a select amount of people or corporations that can pay exorbitant amounts of money to get a visa.”
The letter, co-signed by Representatives Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, Derek Tran, and Julie Johnson, emphasized that the H-1B system has fueled economic growth and innovation. “Many of America’s most successful companies were founded or led by former H-1B holders who create new businesses, jobs, and keep the United States at the forefront of technological progress,” they wrote.
The lawmakers also highlighted the contributions of Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders to local economies, academic institutions, and civic life, urging the administration to “preserve and expand the H-1B program to strengthen America’s technological leadership, create jobs for American workers, and safeguard our national security.” No Republican lawmakers signed the letter.
The appeal followed Florida’s announcement on Wednesday banning H-1B hiring across state universities. Governor Ron DeSantis said the policy aims to ensure that Florida residents are “first in line for job opportunities.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security issued new guidance on the H-1B $100,000 application fee, offering exemptions for applicants switching from other visa categories such as F-1 student status.
The White House reiterated last week that Trump’s priority is putting “American workers first” and pledged to defend the administration’s visa reforms against ongoing legal challenges. Two major lawsuits, including one filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are currently pending in federal courts. (Source: IANS)
