External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has pitched strongly for the issuance of H-1B visa to Indians, underling their significant contributions to the US society, economy and polity and deepening of bilateral ties. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
According to a study published on November by the National Foundation for American Policy think-tank, the Trump administration’s restrictive immigration policies have led to massive increase in the rejection of petitions for H-1B visas with the highest denial rate among major Indian IT companies.
The study gave credence to charges that Indian companies are being unduly targeted by the administration of President Donald Trump. India has taken up the problems faced by Indian professionals and IT companies with the Trump administration.
“People to people ties have been one of the defining elements of our friendship,” Jaishankar told reporters at a joint news conference here on Wednesday in the present of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper.
“We take great pride in the achievements of Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States and their contribution to American society, economy and polity. Trade and services, including the movement of persons in a fair and non-discriminatory manner has contributed significantly to the deepening of (bilateral) ties,” he said.
Jaishankar said he look forward to work with the US to nurture and sustain these ties and the two countries have agreed to take steps to promote better understanding and awareness among each other’s stakeholders who are connected at multiple levels.
“We’ve arrived at a common intent to facilitate regular exchanges between our parliamentarians and also to provide short-term internship opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to through dedicated programmes,” he said at the conference held after the conclusion of the 2+2 ministerial.
