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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
H‑1B visa rules outdated, US tech execs warn; Indian techies vital to maintain global edge
US technology firms say their global edge is under threat due to restrictive immigration policies that block Indian talent from entering the country. Senior leaders warn that this is slowing innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, software engineering, and semiconductors. Survey highlights deep concern A new survey by Manifest Law of over 500 senior tech leaders shows deep concern about the state of US immigration policy — and its long‑term impact on the technology sector. According to the survey, 93% of tech leaders said high‑skilled immigrants are vital for US global competitiveness, and 35% called their role 'critically important' to their company's future. 'The roles most impacted are STEM‑related — software engineers, AI professionals, hardware specialists, and even startup founders,' said Nicole Gunara, principal immigration lawyer at Manifest Law. 'These aren't just workers. They are innovators. And companies are struggling to get them through the door,' she added. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Shortages in AI talent drive urgency The AI talent shortage is the second biggest challenge impacting skilled immigration, after global competition for workers, the survey said. Tech leaders warn that access to AI talent is vital for long‑term growth. According to McKinsey, firms that adopt AI and digital tools outperform others by as much as six times in shareholder returns. Without faster, more modern immigration policies, the US risks falling behind in critical industries. Live Events You Might Also Like: When can the US revoke your H‑1B visa — legally? Visa costs and delays rising sharply High government visa fees are the biggest barrier for firms trying to hire international staff, followed by delays and rising legal costs. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) increased the base H‑1B petition fee for large employers by 70%. The initial H‑1B registration cost rose from $10 to $215 for fiscal year 2025. According to Manifest Law, Indian professionals have been hit hardest — from 2022–2023, 72.3% of all H‑1B visas went to Indian nationals, and nearly half of all STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) applicants were from India. 'Indian nationals fill a massive part of the US STEM talent gap ,' said Gunara. 'The US simply doesn't have the domestic pipeline to keep up. At some point, policymakers will have to recognize that bringing in highly skilled immigrants is the fastest and most effective solution.' Support grows for targeted reforms The survey found strong support for targeted reforms. About 56% of leaders want an increased H‑1B cap, and 56% support a new visa for venture‑backed startups. Another 62% called for industry‑specific visa programmes, and 64% wanted clearer pathways from student visas to green cards. In total, 74% said the immigration process needs to be simpler, and 67% supported investing in better technology to modernize it. You Might Also Like: H-1B visa registrations drop 27% due to fee hike and policy changes 'We see firsthand how high‑skilled legal immigrants drive innovation in the tech sector — from founding startups to leading cutting‑edge projects,' said Gunara. 'Ensuring they have a clear and timely path to contribute isn't just good policy — it's good business.' Warning on long‑term impact Orn Bodvarsson, a senior economist and academic, warned that current policies could reduce the long‑term appeal of the US for Indian students and professionals. 'They are facing fewer opportunities, higher risks, and lower returns on education investments. Over time, that means reduced demand for US university admissions and job offers. The bottom line is short‑ and long‑term Indian immigration will fall,' he said. As the US aims to lead in next‑generation technologies, experts say its future depends not just on investment and infrastructure, but also on its ability to attract global talent. Without a more open and modern immigration process, it risks falling behind in AI, entrepreneurship, and other critical areas of growth. You Might Also Like: Is the H-1B visa lottery rigged against foreign skilled workers?
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
US immigration rules are blocking Indian talent, say tech leaders
Hyderabad: As the global tech race accelerates, US companies say they are losing their edge—not because of a talent shortage, but because of immigration roadblocks. A growing number of American tech executives warn that restrictive immigration policies are shutting out high-skilled Indian professionals, especially in fast-moving sectors like AI, software development, and semiconductor engineering. The result, they say, is a bottleneck that's strangling innovation and weakening the country's competitive edge. In a recent survey by US-based legal firm Manifest Law, over 500 senior leaders in the tech industry pointed to a range of immigration challenges—from capped visa quotas and intensified scrutiny to surging govt fees and falling H-1B registrations. A striking 78% of respondents said that current immigration restrictions are affecting their ability to hire global talent, with Indian professionals being the most affected. 'The roles most impacted are STEM-related—software engineers, AI professionals, hardware specialists, and even startup founders,' said Nicole Gunara, principal immigration lawyer at Manifest Law. 'These aren't just workers. They are innovators. And companies are struggling to get them through the door,' he explained. The rising cost of hiring international talent emerged as a key obstacle. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently implemented a 70% hike in the base H-1B petition fee for large employers, and the initial registration fee for the H-1B visa lottery skyrocketed from $10 to $215 for fiscal year 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like San Pedro I: Scholarships You Can Apply For (Start Now) College Scholarship | Google Search Search Now Undo Visa delays and escalating legal fees have only added to the burden. Indian professionals, in particular, are bearing the brunt of these changes. From 2022–2023, 72.3% of all H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals, and nearly half of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics optional practical training (STEM OPT) applicants in the US were from India, according to Manifest Law. 'Indian nationals fill a massive part of the US STEM talent gap,' Gunara noted. 'The US simply doesn't have the domestic pipeline to keep up. At some point, policymakers will have to recognize that bringing in highly skilled immigrants is the fastest and most effective solution,' he said. The survey revealed significant support for targeted immigration reforms. About 56% of tech leaders support raising the H-1B cap, while the same number back the creation of a new visa specifically for venture-backed startups. Other suggestions include industry-specific visa programmes (62%) and clearer pathways from student visas to green cards (64%). But the consequences of current policies may go beyond the hiring crunch. Orn Bodvarsson, a senior economist and academic, warned that the long-term appeal of the US is eroding for Indian students and professionals alike. 'They are facing fewer opportunities, higher risks, and lower returns on education investments. Over time, that means reduced demand for US university admissions and job offers. The bottom line is short- and long-term Indian immigration will fall,' he cautioned. As the US strives to lead in next-generation technologies, experts say its success may depend not just on funding and infrastructure—but on whether it welcomes the global talent needed to build the future.
