World American man reveals Indian CEO took over a firm, booted out founders, hired Indians. Post goes viral amid H1B visa debate

[Bilal9]

Sajjad Izlamozhi Podrukulahh.

I bet they make a mean beef fry at his place

Flaky maida porotta too

Kerala person? One thing for sure, these guys have some balls. I prefer mutton in my Kathi roll though.

 

[Bilal9]

US should stop giving Viza to Indians and manage company themselves.

Not possible. I know you're joking, Often times - US companies are run by incompetent and semi-educated local Gora and other American staff full of themselves. IIT and IIM staff in the C-suite are a thousand times more competent than them. My Indian IIT/IIM graduate friends are all part of the C-suite in various local companies.

But yes - I have heard that complaint from Goras, that Indian senior managers often hire only other Indians because they are cheap to get and maybe the perception is that they are easier to manage. Especially Telugu speaker managers will not even hire other Indians if they don't speak Telugu.

It is our failure as South Asians to have those values - betray the whole DEI philosophy which let us in the door in the first place.

Whatever Gora management will now (emboldened by Trumpers and MAGA legitimization) find it easy to stop hiring Indians (and other South Asians because we look alike).

This dissatisfaction has been brewing for over two decades and Indian C suite have not addressed it by equal HR policies.

 

[Bilal9]

That is why Japan is a rare country with negative GDP growth rate and economy is sinking. From second position in the world, it has reached to forth position and set to become fifth.

I don't think Japanese narrative was at fault here. Bangladesh has the same problem, and maybe Pakistan as well.

It is simple lack of discipline and lack of education for the underclasses which is the fault of the govt. and society that were not instilled during the early years.

Average worker person (semi-educated laborer) in South Asia has a horrible work ethic and is terminally lazy and insincere. This is not the case in Japan. You need to visit Japan. I have had experience in both places, I have seen the difference personally.

Maybe @Lulldapull bhai can confirm, if it has changed recently in Japan which I doubt.

 

[Lulldapull]

I don't think Japanese narrative was at fault here. Bangladesh has the same problem, and maybe Pakistan as well.

It is simple lack of discipline and lack of education for the underclasses which is the fault of the govt. and society that were not instilled during the early years.

Average worker person (semi-educated laborer) in South Asia has a horrible work ethic and is terminally lazy and insincere. This is not the case in Japan. You need to visit Japan. I have had experience in both places, I have seen the difference personally.

Maybe @Lulldapull bhai can confirm, if it has changed recently in Japan which I doubt.

Yaar Bilal our problem is not hard work. Our problem that we are a 'niyat' based society. The Japanese and the west are 'result' oriented societies.

This is the fundamental diff.

Lack of accountability, integrity, honesty, civilization/ nationhood in our region are other issues.

Most of our countries pretty tribal bhai and its 2025. They haven't let go of their primitive tribal mentality yet.

Just look at Afghanis.......lol

 

[Bagheera0084]

'There is a permanent shortage...': Elon Musk challenges claims of foreign talent displacing US tech workers

Musk weighs in on tech talent debate amid backlash over foreign worker policies.

Pranav Dixit
Updated Dec 29, 2024, 9:08 AM IST

Elon Musk

Elon Musk has sparked conversation around the perennial debate on foreign-born workers in the US tech industry, responding to claims that they might be taking jobs from native-born Americans. The discussion was initiated by Amjad Masad, CEO of Replit, an online platform for coding, who questioned the validity of such allegations.

Masad posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Genuinely curious: Are there actual instances where qualified native-born Americans couldn’t get jobs in tech because foreigners took all of them? I’d be surprised if it’s true because at any given point there are hundreds of thousands of unfilled jobs in tech.”

Responding to Masad, Musk dismissed the notion of job displacement by foreign talent, highlighting the chronic scarcity of skilled engineers in Silicon Valley. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley,” he wrote.

Musk’s remarks align with ongoing discussions in the tech industry about the need for diverse talent pools to address a growing demand for skilled professionals in areas like artificial intelligence, software engineering, and data science.

The conversation gains significance amidst controversy over the appointment of Indian-American businessman Sriram Krishnan as a senior policy advisor on artificial intelligence in the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

While some hail Krishnan’s appointment as a step forward for AI policy, others argue that foreign workers, particularly those on H-1B visas, are being hired at lower wages, allegedly displacing American talent.

Musk rejected this perspective, labelling it as a “fixed pie” fallacy. “There is essentially infinite potential for job and company creation. Think of all the things that didn’t exist 20 or 30 years ago!” he said, urging a focus on innovation and growth rather than competition for existing roles.

'There is a permanent shortage...': Elon Musk challenges claims of foreign talent displacing US tech workers

Musk weighs in on tech talent debate amid backlash over foreign worker policies.

www.businesstoday.in

 

[Sharma Ji]

Desi tech workers, long disparigingly refered to as "software coolies"

Are the new Mexican wine grape pickers and other farm labour.

 

[Bagheera0084]

Elon Musk Says H-1B Visa System "Broken", Days After "Will Go To War" Promise

Elon Musk and Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have recently clashed with supporters of Donald Trump over the issue of immigration and H-1B visas.

Edited by: Pushkar Tiwari | World News
Dec 30, 2024 09:21 am IST

Elon Musk said H-1B visa system can be "easily fixed"

Days after vowing to "go to war" to defend the H-1B visas, tech billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday said the system, which is used to bring skilled foreign workers to the US, is "broken" and needs a "major reform".

Mr Musk and Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have recently clashed with supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump over the issue of immigration.

Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy, who are set to be part of the incoming Trump administration, have backed the H-1B visa program.

In response to a post on X, the social media site he owns, Mr Musk said he has "been very clear" that the program is "broken" and "needs major reform". He was responding to a user who said the US needs to be a destination for the "world's most elite talent", but the H-1B program "isn't the way to do that".

Mr Musk, who himself migrated from South Africa on an H-1B, said the system can be "easily fixed" by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H-1B, making it "materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically".

Last week, Mr Musk said bringing elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning."

Mr Ramaswamy, the son of Indian immigrants, also echoed Mr Musk's sentiments. He argued that the US culture has long celebrated "mediocrity over excellence".

"A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ... will not produce the best engineers," he posted on X.

Debate Over H-1B Visas

Many of Donald Trump's supporters have been increasingly pushing for scrapping the H-1B visa programme amid debate over immigration. The matter flared up after Trump chose Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer, criticised Trump's selection, along with far-right figures like Ann Coulter and former Congressman Matt Gaetz.

She accused Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy of undermining American workers.

One viral post on X accused Mr Krishnan as an "India First" operative whose goal was to "replace American workers."

"Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," Ms Loomer, a MAGA figure known for her conspiracy theories, said.

"We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats," she said.

Mr Musk fired back at his critics and warned of a "MAGA civil war."

He also swore at one critic, saying, "I will go to war on this issue."

Trump Backs Musk In H-1B Visa Debate

Donald Trump has sided with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in the public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the program for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters.

Trump, who moved to limit the visas' use during his first presidency, told The New York Post on Saturday he was likewise in favour of the visa program.

"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," he was quoted as saying.

Elon Musk Says H-1B Visa System "Broken", Days After "Will Go To War" Promise

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Elon Musk Says H-1B Visa System "Broken", Days After "Will Go To War" Promise

Elon Musk and Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have recently clashed with supporters of Donald Trump over the issue of immigration and H-1B visas.

Edited by: Pushkar Tiwari | World News
Dec 30, 2024 09:21 am IST

Elon Musk said H-1B visa system can be "easily fixed"

Days after vowing to "go to war" to defend the H-1B visas, tech billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday said the system, which is used to bring skilled foreign workers to the US, is "broken" and needs a "major reform".

Mr Musk and Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have recently clashed with supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump over the issue of immigration.

Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy, who are set to be part of the incoming Trump administration, have backed the H-1B visa program.

In response to a post on X, the social media site he owns, Mr Musk said he has "been very clear" that the program is "broken" and "needs major reform". He was responding to a user who said the US needs to be a destination for the "world's most elite talent", but the H-1B program "isn't the way to do that".

Mr Musk, who himself migrated from South Africa on an H-1B, said the system can be "easily fixed" by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H-1B, making it "materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically".

Last week, Mr Musk said bringing elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning."

Mr Ramaswamy, the son of Indian immigrants, also echoed Mr Musk's sentiments. He argued that the US culture has long celebrated "mediocrity over excellence".

"A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ... will not produce the best engineers," he posted on X.

Debate Over H-1B Visas

Many of Donald Trump's supporters have been increasingly pushing for scrapping the H-1B visa programme amid debate over immigration. The matter flared up after Trump chose Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer, criticised Trump's selection, along with far-right figures like Ann Coulter and former Congressman Matt Gaetz.

She accused Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy of undermining American workers.

One viral post on X accused Mr Krishnan as an "India First" operative whose goal was to "replace American workers."

"Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," Ms Loomer, a MAGA figure known for her conspiracy theories, said.

"We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats," she said.

Mr Musk fired back at his critics and warned of a "MAGA civil war."

He also swore at one critic, saying, "I will go to war on this issue."

Trump Backs Musk In H-1B Visa Debate

Donald Trump has sided with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in the public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the program for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters.

Trump, who moved to limit the visas' use during his first presidency, told The New York Post on Saturday he was likewise in favour of the visa program.

"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," he was quoted as saying.

Elon Musk Says H-1B Visa System "Broken", Days After "Will Go To War" Promise

They want country wise cap to go so as to give maximum visas to Indians.

 

[Bagheera0084]

Amid immigration debate in MAGA camp, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu cracks the code on rising talent migration from India

2 min read
30 Dec 2024, 02:38 PM IST

Riya R Alex

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, highlights that talent migration in India is a result of rising aspirations during economic growth. He compares this trend to historical patterns in Korea and China, stating that such migration signifies progress.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu believes that the rising talent migration from India is not a symptom of hopelessness.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has expressed several reasons for talent migration out of India. In a post on LinkedIn, Vembu said that the rising number of people migrating from India is not a concern amid the MAGA debate regarding an issue between certain factions of President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration policies.

Vembu explained the migration patterns in Korea and China.

“First, historic patterns. Talent migration from Korea/Taiwan to the US peaked in the 1970s and 80s (Japanese migration to the US peaked much earlier), talent migration from China peaked about 10 years ago. That was the time of rapid development and transformation of those nations," Vembu wrote.

According to Vembu, talent migration is very high during a phase of rapid development in a country.

“When a country is extremely underdeveloped, talent migration is very low. When a country is very wealthy, talent migration is also very low. Talent migration peaks during the period of rapid development," he said.

A similar pattern can be observed in Silicon Valley as well.

“This is observable in Silicon Valley where migrants from India now well outpace those from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan," he added.

According to Vembu, people's growing aspirations result in rapid economic growth, which in turn results in restlessness. Such restlessness boosts migration. This pattern is currently being observed in India.

What is the reason?

“Why does this happen? Rapid economic development is preceded by and happens due to rising aspiration levels; and talent migration also happens due to rising aspiration levels. Our aspirations necessarily race ahead of reality and it is precisely during the period of rapid growth that we have the most restless people, and it is the restless spirits who tend to migrate. We can observe that restlessness in India, particularly in urban tech centres," Vembu posted.

However, he said, this migration slows down once an economy realises its full potential.

“Eventually when the full economic potential is realised, talent migration slows down or stops entirely. This pattern has been seen repeatedly," he added.

“As late as the 1980s, Japanese still refused to believe Japan had achieved parity with the West. Same with Korea in the late 1990s," Vembu wrote.

“I predict that even in 2035 with a per capita GDP upwards of $10K, Indians will likely lament how far behind we are. The last stage of catch up happens quickly over a decade (witness China is the last decade) but the foundations have to be laid over many previous decades and those previous decades feel like a slog. We are slogging through that now in India. To summarise, rising talent migration from India is not a symptom of hopelessness, it is the opposite," the Zoho CEO added.

https://www.livemint.com/companies/...-migration-from-india/amp-11735547761687.html

 

[Sharma Ji]

Amid immigration debate in MAGA camp, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu cracks the code on rising talent migration from India

2 min read
30 Dec 2024, 02:38 PM IST

Riya R Alex

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, highlights that talent migration in India is a result of rising aspirations during economic growth. He compares this trend to historical patterns in Korea and China, stating that such migration signifies progress.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu believes that the rising talent migration from India is not a symptom of hopelessness.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has expressed several reasons for talent migration out of India. In a post on LinkedIn, Vembu said that the rising number of people migrating from India is not a concern amid the MAGA debate regarding an issue between certain factions of President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration policies.

Vembu explained the migration patterns in Korea and China.

“First, historic patterns. Talent migration from Korea/Taiwan to the US peaked in the 1970s and 80s (Japanese migration to the US peaked much earlier), talent migration from China peaked about 10 years ago. That was the time of rapid development and transformation of those nations," Vembu wrote.

According to Vembu, talent migration is very high during a phase of rapid development in a country.

“When a country is extremely underdeveloped, talent migration is very low. When a country is very wealthy, talent migration is also very low. Talent migration peaks during the period of rapid development," he said.

A similar pattern can be observed in Silicon Valley as well.

“This is observable in Silicon Valley where migrants from India now well outpace those from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan," he added.

According to Vembu, people's growing aspirations result in rapid economic growth, which in turn results in restlessness. Such restlessness boosts migration. This pattern is currently being observed in India.

What is the reason?

“Why does this happen? Rapid economic development is preceded by and happens due to rising aspiration levels; and talent migration also happens due to rising aspiration levels. Our aspirations necessarily race ahead of reality and it is precisely during the period of rapid growth that we have the most restless people, and it is the restless spirits who tend to migrate. We can observe that restlessness in India, particularly in urban tech centres," Vembu posted.

However, he said, this migration slows down once an economy realises its full potential.

“Eventually when the full economic potential is realised, talent migration slows down or stops entirely. This pattern has been seen repeatedly," he added.

“As late as the 1980s, Japanese still refused to believe Japan had achieved parity with the West. Same with Korea in the late 1990s," Vembu wrote.

“I predict that even in 2035 with a per capita GDP upwards of $10K, Indians will likely lament how far behind we are. The last stage of catch up happens quickly over a decade (witness China is the last decade) but the foundations have to be laid over many previous decades and those previous decades feel like a slog. We are slogging through that now in India. To summarise, rising talent migration from India is not a symptom of hopelessness, it is the opposite," the Zoho CEO added.

https://www.livemint.com/companies/...-migration-from-india/amp-11735547761687.html

Its about lifestyle, freedom, many other things that money can not buy

our society is such, suffocated fuddu log pancho

 

[Sharma Ji]

KLP Dingalunga no want return home after kolleze and degree in Ummrikka

US ke baad ghar aa ke apni mummi papa ki sunega koi ?

spl if mummy papa are cvntservative regressive weirdos

only srs paisey wallas play that game now, beech walas flocking to greener pastures, dalit types are cursed to remain miserable forever anyway

 

[Bagheera0084]

Indian Govt on alert over H-1B row, taking feedback from IT firms

Pankaj Doval | TNN | Dec 31, 2024, 05:32 IST

The Indian government is vigilantly monitoring the situation of Indian H-1B visa holders in the US amid backlash and profiling of IT and management professionals. This involves collaboration between the ministries of external affairs, commerce, and IT to ensure that legal Indian workers are not adversely impacted by evolving American visa policies under Donald Trump's administration.

NEW DELHI: Government is keeping a close watch of the backlash against Indian H-1B visa holders in the US and profiling of IT and management professionals, and the developments are being closely monitored by the ministry of external affairs and commerce department apart from the IT ministry, to ensure there is no "unpleasant issue" against those working legally.

"We shouldn't have a situation where there is an unpleasant issue which is created for our Indian workers who are (working) there legally. That is something that the government is constantly concerned about," a government source told TOI. The IT ministry is also involved in the process and is taking feedback from large software companies as well as relevant industry associations such as Nasscom to undersrtand the situation on the ground, the sources added.

"We would like to make sure that our competitive position in that regard is not affected. And definitely that other factors should not come in the way of legal frameworks, even from an American setup," the sources said.

Government is also keeping a watch on how the American visa policies, especially for IT and tech, management, and other qualified professionals, evolves as Donald Trump returns to White House.

"So to that extent, we don't want to look at it as more restrictions and so on. We have to look at it as how the American policy also pans out," a source said. The sources said that the government also wants to highlight how multi-national companies - including from the US - are setting up global capability centres (GCCs) in India, in a clear pointer to the need to have qualified Indian professionals in their midst. The fact that they are setting up GCCs in India shows that they are keen to hire qualified Indian workers for cutting-edge work, they added.

MEA is taking updates from the Indian mission in the US, to have a better grip on the situation.

There has been a massive backlash in the US after Trump announced the appointment of Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan as Senior White House Policy Advisor on AI, with people such as far-right activist Laura Loomer claiming that H-1B visa holders are taking away jobs from qualified Americans which is against the "America First" agenda of the incoming Republican dispensation.

However, as a controversy started to build up, Loomer's attacks were rebuffed by none other Trump himself, and also by Elon Musk - a top American businessman and a close confidante of the incoming President. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said, "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."

Govt on alert over H-1B row, taking feedback from IT firms - Times of India

The Indian government is vigilantly monitoring the situation of Indian H-1B visa holders in the US amid backlash and profiling of IT and management professionals. This involves collaboration between the ministries of external affairs, commerce, and IT to ensure that legal Indian workers are not...

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

 

[Bagheera0084]

America's H1B protectionism is set to benefit India. Here's why

Indians seeking H1B work visas in the US may lose out on new opportunities, but in an economic sense, those very opportunities may shift to India like it did in the 1990s and 2000s.

by Madhavan Narayanan
Updated 31 Dec 2024 13:52 IST

Officially, H1B visas are long-term non-immigrant permits for those engaged in speciality occupations that require high skills. (File photo) Photograph: (Reuters)

Anyone watching the ideological shootout within the American right wing as Donald Trump gets set to take charge for a second term in the White House should realise a simple truth: the United States is entering an era of all-round protectionism, spanning capital flows, consumer goods and labour.

Unless Trump does a careful balancing act or a U-turn, we are heading for a year of serious policy changes officially aimed at his "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda but in effect challenging the business-as-usual style in which Silicon Valley has led a global surge in technology and innovation, helping US domination in the world economy.

But the inference from this would be more complex than it may appear at first sight.

As I see it, once the game gets down to details, Indians (and others from outside the US) seeking H1B work visas and better lifestyles in the US may lose out on new opportunities, but in an economic sense, those very opportunities may shift to India like it did in the 1990s and 2000s when "offshoring" became hot.

The difference is that this time, India is in an even better position to tap opportunities because the size of skilled and experienced knowledge professionals, infrastructure development, and communications bandwidth are far superior.

Officially, H1B visas are long-term non-immigrant permits for those engaged in speciality occupations that require high skills.

The year 2024 is ending in America with serious disagreements between the folks we call Trumpists. Technology billionaire Elon Musk officially supports the H1B visa as a vehicle to attract talent on merit, but has calibrated his position to seek "reform" in the system after a backlash post that says the H1B programme is only aimed at recruiting technology and financial service professionals at "relatively low wages" and not to draw "top talent."

That should not make sense on close examination.

Better work that produces better results attracts better wages -- and quibbling over what is "top talent" is a difficult game to play where employers are ordinarily the best judges of what talent is. But the pushback Musk is facing is symptomatic of the protectionism in which an "America first" policy for local citizens (Read: mostly white, less competitive technology workers) are expected to get priority.

Former Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon wants an outright scrapping of H1B visas and has even issued a warning to Vivek Ramaswamy and Musk, the co-chiefs of Trump's DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).

To leave little to doubt on the kind of hate that is going around against Indians, there is a viral video of far-right commentator Stew Peters and comedian Leonarda Jonie spewing venomous racism against Indian immigrants.

With that kind of atmosphere, H1B may be a difficult thing to sustain and even more difficult to grow. Trump is certainly in a bind.

Musk wants to raise the minimum salary for H1B visa approvals but that is hardly of relevance beyond a point. Last year, as much as 69% of those gaining from H1B visas with a salary below $100,000 per year were Indians. The number of employees covered by H1B visas totalled less than 54,000 of which 65% were for "computer-related" operations.

Now, contrast that with some interesting data on global capability centres (GCC) of multinational companies functioning in or from India. According to industry association Nasscom, as many as 1,700 GCCs in India employed nearly 1.9 milllion people in the fiscal year ended March 2024, generating more than $64 billion in annual revenues. The government's economic survey for the year said as many as 42% of GCC employees were engaged in engineering, research and development. A study by consulting firm Zinnov noted that these included artificial intelligence and machine learning experts needed at the cutting edge of global business.

In plain English, India now has the scale, base and processes necessary to absorb all the H1B visa holders hired over the past decade, should that need arise. Some enhanced infrastructure facilities may be a clincher, but that is relatively easy in the current scenario.

It is a naive thought to imagine that businesses deploying capital would meekly accept the narrow-minded Trumpists who do not understand the larger dynamics in a world in which everything from cryptocurrency to robotics and genomics needs a solid technologically educated workforce. If not India, they may settle for other countries to deploy or hire talent. European countries are already waking up to the prospect of hiring talented Indians.

The irony is that in defending less than 100,000 jobs per year on a liberal count, the United States, which has a total of 168 million people in its civilian workforce, may be losing its grip on global technological leadership -- not to speak of small business growth aided by guest workers and rich immigrants.

Extreme-right Trumpists seem to be adept at cutting America's nose to spite its technological face. It is their choice.

P.S. On the downside of H1B returnees, Indians may have to worry more about narrow local roads choked with outsized Audis, Jaguars and BMWs, unless the government puts new-age cities on a fast-track model.

America's H1B protectionism is set to benefit India. Here's why

Opinion | Indians seeking H1B work visas in the US may lose out on new opportunities, but in an economic sense, those very opportunities may shift to India

www.wionews.com

[/B][/B]

 

[Krishna with Flute]

America's H1B protectionism is set to benefit India. Here's why

Indians seeking H1B work visas in the US may lose out on new opportunities, but in an economic sense, those very opportunities may shift to India like it did in the 1990s and 2000s.

by Madhavan Narayanan
Updated 31 Dec 2024 13:52 IST

Officially, H1B visas are long-term non-immigrant permits for those engaged in speciality occupations that require high skills. (File photo) Photograph: (Reuters)

Anyone watching the ideological shootout within the American right wing as Donald Trump gets set to take charge for a second term in the White House should realise a simple truth: the United States is entering an era of all-round protectionism, spanning capital flows, consumer goods and labour.

Unless Trump does a careful balancing act or a U-turn, we are heading for a year of serious policy changes officially aimed at his "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda but in effect challenging the business-as-usual style in which Silicon Valley has led a global surge in technology and innovation, helping US domination in the world economy.

But the inference from this would be more complex than it may appear at first sight.

As I see it, once the game gets down to details, Indians (and others from outside the US) seeking H1B work visas and better lifestyles in the US may lose out on new opportunities, but in an economic sense, those very opportunities may shift to India like it did in the 1990s and 2000s when "offshoring" became hot.

The difference is that this time, India is in an even better position to tap opportunities because the size of skilled and experienced knowledge professionals, infrastructure development, and communications bandwidth are far superior.

Officially, H1B visas are long-term non-immigrant permits for those engaged in speciality occupations that require high skills.

The year 2024 is ending in America with serious disagreements between the folks we call Trumpists. Technology billionaire Elon Musk officially supports the H1B visa as a vehicle to attract talent on merit, but has calibrated his position to seek "reform" in the system after a backlash post that says the H1B programme is only aimed at recruiting technology and financial service professionals at "relatively low wages" and not to draw "top talent."

That should not make sense on close examination.

Better work that produces better results attracts better wages -- and quibbling over what is "top talent" is a difficult game to play where employers are ordinarily the best judges of what talent is. But the pushback Musk is facing is symptomatic of the protectionism in which an "America first" policy for local citizens (Read: mostly white, less competitive technology workers) are expected to get priority.

Former Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon wants an outright scrapping of H1B visas and has even issued a warning to Vivek Ramaswamy and Musk, the co-chiefs of Trump's DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).

To leave little to doubt on the kind of hate that is going around against Indians, there is a viral video of far-right commentator Stew Peters and comedian Leonarda Jonie spewing venomous racism against Indian immigrants.

With that kind of atmosphere, H1B may be a difficult thing to sustain and even more difficult to grow. Trump is certainly in a bind.

Musk wants to raise the minimum salary for H1B visa approvals but that is hardly of relevance beyond a point. Last year, as much as 69% of those gaining from H1B visas with a salary below $100,000 per year were Indians. The number of employees covered by H1B visas totalled less than 54,000 of which 65% were for "computer-related" operations.

Now, contrast that with some interesting data on global capability centres (GCC) of multinational companies functioning in or from India. According to industry association Nasscom, as many as 1,700 GCCs in India employed nearly 1.9 milllion people in the fiscal year ended March 2024, generating more than $64 billion in annual revenues. The government's economic survey for the year said as many as 42% of GCC employees were engaged in engineering, research and development. A study by consulting firm Zinnov noted that these included artificial intelligence and machine learning experts needed at the cutting edge of global business.

In plain English, India now has the scale, base and processes necessary to absorb all the H1B visa holders hired over the past decade, should that need arise. Some enhanced infrastructure facilities may be a clincher, but that is relatively easy in the current scenario.

It is a naive thought to imagine that businesses deploying capital would meekly accept the narrow-minded Trumpists who do not understand the larger dynamics in a world in which everything from cryptocurrency to robotics and genomics needs a solid technologically educated workforce. If not India, they may settle for other countries to deploy or hire talent. European countries are already waking up to the prospect of hiring talented Indians.

The irony is that in defending less than 100,000 jobs per year on a liberal count, the United States, which has a total of 168 million people in its civilian workforce, may be losing its grip on global technological leadership -- not to speak of small business growth aided by guest workers and rich immigrants.

Extreme-right Trumpists seem to be adept at cutting America's nose to spite its technological face. It is their choice.

P.S. On the downside of H1B returnees, Indians may have to worry more about narrow local roads choked with outsized Audis, Jaguars and BMWs, unless the government puts new-age cities on a fast-track model.

America's H1B protectionism is set to benefit India. Here's why

Opinion | Indians seeking H1B work visas in the US may lose out on new opportunities, but in an economic sense, those very opportunities may shift to India

www.wionews.com

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India as a nation has nothing to gain from it not any reason to be happy about that.

 

[Bagheera0084]

'We need smart people in our country': Trump says he hasn't changed his mind on H1B visas

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jan 1, 2025, 11:33 IST

US President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance on H-1B visas, emphasizing the need for competent and smart individuals in the country. He denied changing his opinion on the visas and highlighted their importance in bringing skilled workers to the US. Trump aligned with Elon Musk and commented on the necessity for visa holders amidst upcoming job growth.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that he has not changed his stance on H-1B visas, stressing the need for skilled workers in the nation. He made these remarks at his Mar-a-Lago resort on New Year's Eve.

When questioned by a reporter about a perceived change in his stance on H-1B visas, Trump responded, "I didn't change my mind on H-1B visas.

I've always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country. We need smart people in our country. We need a lot of people coming in. We're going to have jobs like never before."

Immigration attorney Steven Brown reacted to Trump's stance on X.

“Interesting #H1B news, pleasantly surprised to see from DJT," Brown said.

The H-1B visa program allows highly skilled foreign workers to work in the US. The Biden administration recently announced plans to streamline the application process and address potential misuse by companies.

Trump's evolving views on H-1B

Trump’s past comments on the program, as reported by the Associated Press, described it as “unfair” to American workers and “very bad.” However, Trump reiterated his support for the program in a comment to the New York Post, saying, "`I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That's why we have them."

This recent support aligns Trump with billionaire Elon Musk, who has also defended the program. Vivek Ramaswamy, a Trump supporter, has previously criticized the H-1B program, advocating for a system that prioritizes highly skilled individuals, promotes competition, and reduces bureaucracy.

Political analyst on Trump's support for H-1B visas

Trump's support for H-1B visas could create conflict with his base, according to political analyst Craig Agranoff.

He explained this tension to Newsweek. “His support for H1B visas might seem at odds with the broader 'America First' stance that resonates with much of his MAGA base," Agranoff said. "Many within that movement view these visas as competing with American workers for jobs, especially in tech sectors. His position could alienate some staunch supporters who feel strongly about prioritizing domestic labor."

Agranoff also noted Trump’s history of balancing populist rhetoric with pro-business policies.

“It’s also important to note that Trump has always balanced his populist rhetoric with policies that appeal to business interests," he said. "The H1B program is valued by many industries for bringing in skilled labor, and Trump may be trying to maintain support from the business community while framing his stance as pro-growth and beneficial to the U.S. economy. Whether this creates lasting friction with his base will depend on how effectively he communicates the economic benefits of H1B visas in a way that aligns with the MAGA vision.”

'We need smart people in our country': Trump says he hasn't changed his mind on H1B visas - Times of India

US News: US President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance on H-1B visas, emphasizing the need for competent and smart individuals in the country. He denie

timesofindia.indiatimes.com