Indian-origin politicians push for domestic H-1B visa renewal, major MAGA row triggered
Several Indian-origin Congressmen pushed for domestic renewal of H-1B visa.
Several Indian-origin politicians, including Ro Khanna (D-California), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), have pushed for doemstic
H-1B visa renewal
arguing that this should be integrated with the immigration department, after its successful pilot project in 2024.
Their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already become a bone of contention as several MAGA supporters including Laura Loomer, Steve Bannon, think H-1B, the program that allows US companies to hire skilled immigrants, should be stopped in favor of America First.
"The current system (of visa renewal), which requires most non-immigrant visa holders to leave the country for renewals, disrupts lives, strains consular resources abroad, causes undue financial burdens on workers, and creates uncertainty for UD companies relying on these talented individuals," the letter said.
"By reinstating and expanding domestic visa renewals, this backlog can be alleviated, increasing efficiency and providing greater certainty for US employers, workers, and students," the letter said.
— fluminabbylonis (@fluminabbylonis)
Apart from the three Indian-origin Congressmen, Rich McCormick, Hank Johnson Jr, Don Bacon, Sanford D Bishop Jr signed the letter.
"Every name on that letter is that of a traitor to this country, and we won't forget it.
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My American suburb is now almost entirely Indian. My home has been turned into a foreign land. We are being conquered, and these sellouts are enabling it. End H1B. End birthright citizenship," one wrote slamming the demand.
"Hey #MAGA they're voting to import MORE foreign workers to take more American jobs. Is that what you voted for? These liars are all #AmericaLast," another wrote. "Disgusting traitors need to be primaried," a third user wrote.
What is the domestic visa renewal program?
The Domestic Visa Renewal Program is a Department of State initiative that allows certain nonimmigrant visa holders, such as those with H-1B visas, to renew their visas within the United States without needing to travel abroad to a US consulate or embassy for processing. This program marks a significant shift from the traditional process, which often requires visa holders to leave the US, attend an interview at a U.S.
consulate abroad, and potentially face delays due to visa backlogs or travel restrictions. The program aims to reduce the burden on visa holders who need to renew their visas by allowing them to do so domestically, thereby avoiding international travel, potential delays at overseas consulates, and disruptions to their work or personal lives in the US.
A pilot program on this ran from January 29, 2024 to APRIL 1, 2024 and catered to 20,000 H-1B visa applications.
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