Business
Indiaspora warns US H-1B curbs could hit local economies
The Hindu BusinessLine·
Non-profit Indiaspora warned on October 30 that curbing H-1B visas could hurt the U.S. economy. Sanjeev Joshipura said Indian H-1B workers helped make America an innovation leader. The group flagged petition fees exceeding USD 1,00,000, a wage-weighted lottery, ending the 60-day grace period and fees up to USD 70,000 on OPT extensions. It said foreign professionals fill rural physician gaps.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Wage-weighted H-1B selection could disadvantage early-career graduates under the proposals Indiaspora listed.
- Ending the 60-day grace period would shorten job-search time for laid-off visa holders.
- Fees up to USD 70,000 on OPT extensions would raise hiring costs for employers using student training programs.
What's Happening
- Indiaspora issued its statement on October 30, 2026.
- It cited rising anti-Indian rhetoric during the U.S. election season.
- The group urged political leaders to reject scapegoating foreign talent.
H-4 and OPT Fee Proposals
- Indiaspora flagged freezing H-4 spousal employment authorization documents.
- It said rural physicians and teachers in areas like the Mississippi Delta rely on foreign hires.
- Joshipura said H-1B workers from India generated billions for the U.S. economy.
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