Donald Trump backs H-1B reforms bill: US lawmaker - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Donald Trump backs H-1B reforms bill: US lawmaker

Washington | ByPTI
Jul 19, 2017 03:41 PM IST

President Donald Trump supports a bill that proposes a massive hike in the minimum salary for those employed on H-1B visas, an influential American lawmaker has said while alleging that Indian companies have “gamed” the “flawed” US immigration system.

President Donald Trump supports a bill that proposes a massive hike in the minimum salary for those employed on H-1B visas, an influential American lawmaker has said while alleging that Indian companies have “gamed” the “flawed” US immigration system.

File photo of President Donald Trump holding up a pen to sign one of various bills in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.(AP)
File photo of President Donald Trump holding up a pen to sign one of various bills in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.(AP)

Congressman Darrell Issa, who recently introduced the legislation, insisted that his move would bring the best talents to the US and help fix the flaws in the existing H-1B system.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The president supports (the bill). I think we will have strong support in the Senate,” he told a Washington audience at an event hosted by Atlantic Council at the Capitol Visitor Center.

He alleged that Indian companies have “gamed the system” and made the “best use of this flawed immigration system”.

“You can’t have 75% of a programme going to an Indian-owner, Indian operated, Indian employee visas and not say that this is distortion,” Issa said, adding it’s common sense to hire the best and not the other way around.

“It would be interesting that India would be concerned that a relatively simple change (in H-1B visas) that does not target India, somehow happens to be accommodation for India,” he said.

“Today 75% of all H-1Bs are coming in about $ 60-65,000, which is pretty absurd considering these are high-skilled visas... If they were told to write $100,000 and you will get your H-1B, they will write that cheque,” he said.

The lawmaker from California called for fixing the system and removing the country-based caps. He also said increasing the salary would raise the quality of people coming to the US.

“An auction system is not a bad way to go,” he said.

“A graduate with a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree from a US university is not going to take a job with $ 60,000 salary. And that’s the reality,” said the Congressman.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On