Article Summary

Indian-American Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that proposed US H-1B visa changes, including a potential $100,000 fee and limits on F/J visas, could weaken US economic competitiveness. He stated that these policies risk driving highly skilled STEM talent and wealth to China, which has introduced a new "K visa" program designed to attract young STEM graduates. A Chinese official, however, dismissed these accusations as "groundless" and not aimed at any specific country.

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This warning highlights the critical link between skilled immigration policy and national economic competitiveness, particularly for the U.S. tech sector and its ability to innovate and create jobs. Restrictive H-1B policies could inadvertently push highly educated STEM professionals towards nations actively seeking to attract them, impacting future startup growth and intellectual property.

The article references a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee and a four-year limit on F and J visas, attributed to the Trump administration. It is crucial to note that while these were indeed proposals or rules put forth during that period, the $100,000 H-1B fee was never fully implemented, and the DHS rule regarding F/J visa limits was later withdrawn. The Congressman's letter frames these past proposals as a relevant concern for future policy direction.

This discussion underscores a growing global competition for talent, with China's K visa serving as a direct counterpoint to perceived U.S. immigration hurdles. For employers, this emphasizes the need for stable, predictable immigration policies; for skilled immigrants, it highlights the expanding international landscape of opportunities where countries actively compete for their expertise.