The Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Commerce Department of the Government of India are closely watching the situation involving Indian H-1B visa holders in the US following a massive backlash after Trump’s announcement that Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan would be appointed as Senior White House Policy Advisor on AI.

Far-right activists, including Laura Loomer, protested against the move saying H-1B visa holders are taking away jobs meant for qualified Americans. This, they asserted, was against the ‘America First’ agenda of the Republican dispensation to be made effective soon.

As the storm started brewing, Trump affirmed his stand saying, “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That’s why we have them… I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”

Amid the mounting tensions, the Indian government is keeping an eye on the situation to ensure no unpleasant issue is created for Indian workers, who are working legally in the US. The government is profiling IT and management professionals, getting feedback from large software companies and industry associations, while monitoring American visa policies, particularly for qualified professionals in the IT and management sectors. However, how changes to the US visa pans out once Trump returns to the White House remains to be seen. – Image by freepik – editor@nrifocus.com