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

[Sharma Ji]

'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

Unlike the caravans from South America, Mexico (which also include Indians)

most legal Indians there are high skilled employed people who pay taxes

useless ones get the boot just the same as illegals are deported, riff raff mostly kept out

 

[Bagheera0084]

Why Elon Musk has backpedalled on H-1B visa after MAGA fallout

Days after Elon Musk defended the H-1B visa, he shifted his stance, calling the program "broken" and calling for major reforms, including higher salaries and additional costs to make hiring overseas workers more expensive. What's the change in Musk's position driven by? Is it MAGA-fuelled scepticism, or economic pragmatism, or concerns over US companies exploiting the visa program?

Elon Musk had received support from Donald Trump on his stance on H-1B visas, a day after the tech moghul vowed to "go to war" to defend the programme. (File Image)

India Today World Desk
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 31, 2024 15:36 IST
Written By: Sushim Mukul

With MAGA tech-bros squaring off against the MAGA right in a heated brawl over H-1B visas and skilled immigration, President-elect Donald Trump's ally Elon Musk has deftly shifted his stance on the issue. Days after Tesla, X and SpaceX boss Musk said he "will go to war" backing the H-1B visa and asked right-wingers to "take a big step back", he mellowed down, saying the H-1B "program is broken and needs major reform". He also called for "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".

What prompted Musk's shift from defending the H-1B visa program? Was it a reaction to MAGA-fuelled scepticism, or a nod to economic pragmatism, or the result of concerns over companies in the US exploiting the program?

H1-B VISAS, A BONE OF CONTENTION BEFORE TRUMP'S RE-INAUGURATION

Leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, MAGA saw fierce debates over skilled worker immigration, even as his poll rhetoric targeted people at the opposite end of the spectrum involving low-skilled and illegal immigration.

Hardline Trump supporters argued that H-1B visas replace American workers and threaten Western civilisation. In contrast, others, including Trump himself, Elon Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy, defend the program as crucial for attracting skilled foreign talent amid a shortage of engineers in the US.

Despite Trump's backing of the H-1B push, far-right MAGA voices continued targeting tech-bros like Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The latter, who is the DOGE co-chair, stirred a controversy by saying that America fostered a culture of mediocrity.

The MAGA fallout unleashed criticism against Indian American leaders like Shri Thanedar and Vivek Ramaswamy, with calls for them to "go back to India." Some critics even weaponised the caste system to target Indian lawmakers.

Indian-American leaders, hailed as the "new Jews" before the Presidential elections, became hate figures for Trump's MAGA base almost overnight.

It was during this debate that Elon Musk pledged to "go to war" to defend the H-1B program. Musk, who himself emigrated from South Africa to the US on an H-1B visa, held that the program was important in fostering innovation and economic growth in the US. Musk called out "hateful racists", warned of a "MAGA civil war", and aggressively responded to H-1B critics online.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has also voiced support for the H-1B program, calling it a "great program", according to a New York Post report.

DATA REVEALS WHY IT'S MUSK WHO HAS HAD TO WALK BACK

Days later, Musk has now softened his position.

He suggested that the H-1B visa system requires substantial reforms. On social media site X, Musk proposed two key changes to it: significantly raising the minimum salary for H-1B visa holders and introducing an annual fee to maintain the visa. According to Musk, these measures would make it "materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically".

Musk now says that immigration would be "fixed to benefit America".

Musk's call for H-1B overhaul, though still supportive of the program, came in as far-right activist Laura Loomer on X put out data and said, "So you are telling me that USD 70,000 per year entry-level jobs are 0.1% level talent?" Criticising Musk, Laura Loomer also alleged that Musk's companies did the same.

Musk had held that the H-1B visa was crucial for the American economy as it helped in recruiting "highly skilled" professionals. Indians, consistently the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B program, accounted for over 72% of approved petitions annually in 2023, according to US government data.

Among the 2023 H-1B recipients from India, 69% of visas went to professionals with salaries below USD 1 lakh per annum, which is less than the average salary of IT professionals in the US. Just 5% of them earned more than USD 1.5 lakh.

The data on a 72% share of Indians and the low earnings of H-1B visa beneficiaries, as flagged by Musk's critics, revealed it was not just the "excellent engineering talent" he said was needed for the Silicon Valley to thrive. It was after these very revelations that Musk had to eat a humble pie on his own platform, X. The fact that the bulk of the H-1B visa beneficiaries earned less or similar to an average American IT professional, was out in the open.

Elon Musk, acknowledging the same, made the tactical retreat, and recaliberated.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule to modernise the H-1B visa programme, enabling US companies to fill critical job vacancies more effectively. The updated rule would be effective by January 17, 2025, days before Trump's re-inauguration.

Now, it remains to be seen if the partisan chatter on H-1B will lead to a change in policy as Trump is weeks away from coming back to be the POTUS.

Published By: Sushim Mukul

Published On: Dec 31, 2024

Why Elon Musk has backpedalled on H-1B visa after MAGA fallout

Days after Elon Musk defended the H-1B visa, he shifted his stance, calling the program "broken" and calling for major reforms, including higher salaries and additional costs to make hiring overseas workers more expensive. What's the change in Musk's position driven by? Is it MAGA-fuelled...

www.indiatoday.in

 

[Krishna with Flute]

'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

Out of total H1B issued, Indians get about 72% H1B and Chinese get 11 to 12%.. Rest is shared by others. US corporates want more Indians and that is why they want more H1B without any country specific cealing so that they can recruit more Indians.

 

[Vsdoc]

Donald and Elon have done to the MAGA crows what Modi Shah did to India's Hindus.

@Guru Dutt @Krishna with Flute

Delicious irony.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

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.

If you are boss, it is your duty to deliver performance. You need best result oriented people who can deliver performance. Job is not a charity where you distribut offering among beneficiaries.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Donald and Elon have done to the MAGA crows what Modi Shah did to India's Hindus.

@Guru Dutt @Krishna with Flute

Delicious irony.

The issue is that MAGA can not happen without Hindu techies. No Hindus, MAGA is is a sweet dream distanced from realities. Americans is a f**ed up society which has lost the potential to be a great nation. They need more H1B to maintain their left over greatness.

 

[Bilal9]

If you are boss, it is your duty to deliver performance. You need best result oriented people who can deliver performance. Job is not a charity where you distribut offering among beneficiaries.

You are supposing that Indians are best people for the job.

Good luck with that attitude.

See what MAGA people do from now on.

There are reasons why they elected Trump.

And that is not for providing jobs to Indians so they can invade these shores.

 

[Bilal9]

The issue is that MAGA can not happen without Hindu techies. No Hindus, MAGA is is a sweet dream distanced from realities. Americans is a f**ed up society which has lost the potential to be a great nation. They need more H1B to maintain their left over greatness.

It is clear you have hardly ever been to the US and have scarce understanding of this society.

They don't NEED Indians.

That is an Indian construct.

it's like bheekh mangnewalas saying you NEED to provide bheekh to me. Not true.

Sorry if I'm being harsh but it is what it is.

They can get outsourcing from anywhere, They are paying for it.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

You are supposing that Indians are best people for the job.

Good luck with that attitude.

See what MAGA people do from now on.

There are reasons why they elected Trump.

And that is not for providing jobs to Indians so they can invade these shores.

If they stop recruiting Indians and even sends back all Indians, there can't be anything batter than that. Lots of techies and high skilled Indians will come back to India to replicate what they did in US. MAGA will help MIGA.

 

[Bagheera0084]

it's like bheekh mangnewalas saying you NEED to provide bheekh to me. Not true.

How did you learn Hindi? Earlier generation of Bangladeshis, for example Mage of original PDF, don't know Hindi.

 

[Vsdoc]

How did you learn Hindi? Earlier generation of Bangladeshis, for example Mage of original PDF, don't know Hindi.

Its obvious he sucks up to Indians in the real world, probably is surrounded by them at work, and likely has an Indian boss, who he sucks up to by speaking his atrocious grammar Hindi.

Is it not obvious by the way he writes?

You've been on forums long enough to read guys by their posts.

Do better.

 

[Guru Dutt]

Donald and Elon have done to the MAGA crows what Modi Shah did to India's Hindus.

@Guru Dutt @Krishna with Flute

Delicious irony.

well on the contrrry both Republicans and democrats and those in big buissness wants indian techies but just like we have today hyper "DALIT & ANTY MANUWAD" toxic politics thats always frothing from the mouth and getting hyper to the level they are aligning with those who perpatrtated most massacrres and atroucities against so called PASMANDA/DAIT muslims and so called non muslim dalits and doing that even today

in same way most liberlas and republicsns passivelly supported and even today support crazy mullah and jihadi muslim and muslim fedual elite/Dictttors in so called eveloping nations for there own petty ends

on the topic since most of americans dont send there kids to colleges let alone specillising in STEM subjects and are way more into demanding 4-FIVE or FOUR day work and other perks than doing actual hard work for a better futre like the techie immigrants from India which the US tech establishment needs ..... and weather they like it or not its the market that decides rules of the game not some fancy notion but ya you can dream anything nothing wrong in that

 

[Krishna with Flute]

It is clear you have hardly ever been to the US and have scarce understanding of this society.

They don't NEED Indians.

That is an Indian construct.

it's like bheekh mangnewalas saying you NEED to provide bheekh to me. Not true.

Sorry if I'm being harsh but it is what it is.

They can get outsourcing from anywhere, They are paying for it.

The numbers of visa they issue to Indians states other story.

 

[Bagheera0084]

H-1B visa domestic renewal: Indian workers will soon be able renew visas without leaving US

The US Embassy in India announced that the Department of State successfully concluded a pilot program in 2024 that enabled numerous speciality occupation workers from India to renew their visas domestically

Business Today Desk
Updated Jan 08, 2025, 9:52 AM IST

The United States will soon implement a new program allowing H-1B visa holders to renew their visas without leaving the country, a move likely to benefit many Indian professionals in speciality occupations. Historically, these workers were required to travel back to India to complete the renewal and restamping processes.

The US Embassy in India announced that the Department of State successfully concluded a pilot program in 2024 that enabled numerous speciality occupation workers from India to renew their visas domestically. This pilot program streamlined the renewal process for thousands, alleviating the challenges associated with securing appointment slots at consulates, which have often been particularly difficult for Indian workers.

“The Department of State is now focused on formalizing this U.S.-based renewal program for 2025,” the embassy stated.

The H-1B visa program, which facilitates the entry of foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, medicine, and finance, has sparked debate in U.S. politics. Critics argue that foreign workers, particularly from India, compete with American citizens for jobs. However, figures such as President-elect Donald Trump, along with business leaders like Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have expressed support for the program, highlighting the necessity of skilled foreign talent in addressing labor shortages in the U.S.

Indian nationals have consistently been the dominant recipients of H-1B visas, securing a significant share each year. In 2022, Indian applicants accounted for 77% of the 320,000 approved H-1B visas, while in 2023, they represented 72.3% of the 386,000 visas issued. The new renewal program is expected to further facilitate the visa process for Indian workers, who make up the largest demographic of H-1B recipients.

Rise in H-1B cost

Now, with 2025 kicking in, H-1B visa hopefuls and their employers are bracing for the intricate costs tied to this coveted work permit. The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized roles but comes with hefty fees that vary by circumstances.

Breaking down the costs

The $10 Gateway
Entry into the H-1B lottery requires a $10 registration fee, a figure unchanged since 2024. This small charge marks the first step for prospective applicants.

Mandatory Filing Fees
Employers must shell out $460 as a base filing fee for all H-1B petitions. Added to this is a $500 anti-fraud fee for first-time applicants or those switching employers, aiming to curb misuse.

Hefty Employer Surcharge
Companies with over 50 employees—where more than half hold H-1B or L-1 visas—face a $4,000 fee under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. This surcharge stays effective through September 2025.

Expedited Decisions
Employers in a rush can opt for premium processing at a steep $2,805. This service guarantees processing within 15 days, a necessity for critical hires in time-sensitive industries.

Who Pays What?

Employers shoulder most of the financial burden, covering the filing and anti-fraud fees, along with optional premium processing. The $4,000 additional employer fee also lies squarely with them. Employees, meanwhile, may pay visa stamping and interview-related fees.

Published on: Jan 08, 2025, 9:52 AM IST

H-1B visa domestic renewal: Indian workers will soon be able renew visas without leaving US

The US Embassy in India announced that the Department of State successfully concluded a pilot program in 2024 that enabled numerous speciality occupation workers from India to renew their visas domestically

www.businesstoday.in

 

[Bagheera0084]

Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in AI, Cloud Expansion in India; Check Details

Published By :
Mohammad Haris
PTI
Last Updated:
January 08, 2025, 18:50 IST

Microsoft will also train 10 million people in AI skills in India by 2030, says chief executive officer Satya Nadella.

Microsoft currently operates three data centre regions in India and is set to launch a fourth by 2026.

Microsoft will invest USD 3 billion (about Rs 25,700 crore) to expand its cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities in India, its chief executive officer Satya Nadella said on Tuesday. The tech giant will also train 10 million people in AI skills in India by 2030, Nadella said, addressing a conference attended by startup founders and executives from technology firms here.

Nadella is the latest in the list of tech tycoons to have visited India – the nation of 1.4 billion people that is emerging as an AI battlefront.

Chip maker Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, AMD’s Lia Su and Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun had in recent months visited India, home to millions of programmers and technology services providers like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys and Wipro.

Nadella said the USD 3 billion investment in India would be the “single-largest expansion" done in the country. “The diffusion rate of AI in India is exciting." A company statement said the investment and skilling initiative will be implemented over the next two years, which will also encompass the establishment of new data centres.

Microsoft currently operates three data centre regions in India and is set to launch a fourth by 2026.

“India is rapidly becoming a leader in AI innovation, unlocking new opportunity across the country. The investments in infrastructure and skilling we are announcing today reaffirm our commitment to making India AI-first, and will help ensure people and organisations across the country benefit broadly," he said.

Microsoft provides its cloud computing services under the Azure brand name. It has over 60 Azure regions comprising more than 300 data centres.

“In India, we are excited about all the regions that we have. We have Central India, South India, West India, and South Central India. We also have the capacities that we built up with Jio. We have a lot of regional expansion happening," Nadella said.

When Nadella last visited India in February 2024, he announced that, as part of the ADVANTA(I)GE India initiative, the company would provide 2 million people in the country with AI skilling opportunities by 2025, focused on training individuals in smaller cities and rural areas.

On Tuesday, he announced the next milestone, to equip 10 million more Indians with essential AI skills by 2030. ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA is part of Microsoft’s Global Skills for Social Impact programme. The training will be conducted in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, non-profit organisations, corporate partners, and local communities.

The Microsoft Chairman also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in New Delhi.

Nadella said the Prime Minister shared his vision on the artificial intelligence mission, India stack, and entrepreneurial aspirations in the country, among others.

He had posted a picture of the meeting on X, formerly Twitter, and said, “Excited to build on our commitment to making India AI-first".

Prime Minister Modi responded, saying he is “glad to know about Microsoft’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India".

Nadella said that after a few years, there will be discussion around correlation between GDP growth in any country and even at company level for their own growth on efficiency levels derived between energy consumed per token per dollar.

“We are building world-class AI infrastructure. This is golden for systems when it comes to innovation," Nadella said.

He said that the company is doing a lot of regional expansion in India.

Nadella also said that Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organisation in India drives the company.

“To that end, it is about being able to ensure that the human capital of this country is able to continue to scale and take advantage of the immense opportunity and potential the technology has. That’s why we are very excited to announce today our commitment, which we have always had, to train 10 million people around AI skills by 2030," he added.

Microsoft has been pouring billions of dollars into expanding its AI infrastructure and data centre network across the globe. It had last week unveiled plans to invest about USD 80 billion in AI data centres this year.

In his last visit, the Microsoft chairman highlighted the pivotal role of India’s developer community in building cutting-edge products and solutions that solve challenges for the nation and can be deployed around the world.

He had also announced the expansion of the Code; Without Barriers programme to India for skilling and certification to 75,000 women developers in 2024.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI)

Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in AI, Cloud Expansion in India; Check Details - News18

Microsoft will also train 10 million people in AI skills in India by 2030, says chief executive officer Satya Nadella.

www.news18.com