US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Reconsider H-1B Visa Restrictions: Indian Tech Talent Critical for US Innovation Leadership

US President Donald Trump

Several US lawmakers have called on President Donald Trump to reconsider his recent proclamation on H-1B visas, which includes a $100,000 fee requirement, emphasizing that Indian nationals are essential to America's leadership in information technology and artificial intelligence sectors. They warned that these restrictions could adversely impact US-India relations.

US Representative Jimmy Panetta, alongside Representatives Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, and Julie Johnson, addressed a letter to Trump on Thursday expressing their concerns.

The legislators voiced apprehension regarding Trump's 'Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers' proclamation that imposed substantial financial burdens and other limitations on the H-1B visa program. They requested that he reconsider his September 19 proclamation, citing potential negative consequences for the strategic partnership between the United States and India.

"As members of a recent delegation to India, we recognize the importance of the H-1B program not just to the United States economy, national security, and competitive advantage, but also to our relationship with India, and to the Indian-American communities that we represent. We respectfully request that you suspend the September 19 proclamation and reconsider any policy that would decrease appropriate access to the H-1B program," the lawmakers stated in their correspondence.

They highlighted that while China is aggressively investing in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, the United States must continue to attract top global talent to maintain its "innovation ecosystem, strengthen the defense industrial base, and preserve its long-term competitive edge."

"In the case of India, the country of origin for 71 percent of H-1B holders last year, attracting this talent also reinforces our strategic partnership with a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific," the letter mentioned.

The representatives characterized the H-1B program as a "cornerstone" of American competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. They noted that consistent research demonstrates that H-1B professionals enhance US innovation, patent production, and business formation, complementing rather than displacing American workers. "Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, are central to US leadership in information technology and artificial intelligence."

They emphasized that many of America's most successful companies were established or led by former H-1B visa holders who "drive new businesses, job creation, and keep the United States at the forefront of technological progress."

"Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders also comprise a thriving constituency in each of our districts, enhancing our local economies, contributing to our academic and civic institutions, and strengthening our communities," they added.

Underscoring that the H-1B program extends beyond addressing labor needs to securing US leadership in industries that will define global power in the 21st century, the lawmakers urged Trump to preserve and expand the program to strengthen America's technological leadership, create jobs for American workers, and safeguard US national security.

"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 stated.

While acknowledging that 75 percent of current H-1B visa recipients come from India, he emphasized that the program requires enhancement and expansion rather than limitation to only those individuals or corporations that can afford exorbitant visa fees.

The lawmakers also highlighted the importance of a robust visa program in reinforcing national security and maintaining a strong partnership with India, which represents the country of origin for 71 percent of all H-1B visa holders in the previous year.