H-1B visas could be a source of tension in Indo-US ties

Washington : Demonising the H-1B work visa issue could be a ‘source of tension’ in Indo-US ties, a former top diplomat under the Obama Administration has said, calling for a ‘rational discourse’ on the topic that could affect the lives of thousands of Indians.

“The issue of H1B and the rhetoric that has been flying around all of that, I think is going to be a source of tension,” former US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal said.

Her remarks came amidst reports that the Trump administration is initiating steps against it and half a dozen bills have been introduced in the US Congress in this regard. The former Obama administration diplomat called for a rational discourse on this issue.

"We can all agree that the H-1B program has been an important and necessary program to help both, US and foreign companies meet shortages in high skilled workers. And that this has therefore brought much benefit to the American economy, and to the communities of which these companies both US and foreign operate," she asserted.

"But we can also all agree that there have been some overuses, misuses and abuses of this program," she said, adding some revisions being contemplated would be helpful in trying to ensure that the program is used as intended and not misused. "What I think is deeply regrettable, is rhetoric both during the campaign,” Biswal said.