New Delhi Jan 6 (IANS) Amid reports of the US administration s plans to introduce stricter norms for issuance of H1-B visas which are largely availed by Indian IT firms the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has voiced its opposition to the move.
"It would tremendously be a bad policy to tell highly skilled individuals who are applying for permanent residency and have been working in the US for several years that they are no longer welcome " a USIBC spokesperson said in a statement.
"This policy would harm American business our economy and the country " the spokesperson said. "Further it is inconsistent with the goals of a more merit-based immigration system."
Last month US-based news agency McClatchey s DC Bureau reported that the Department of Homeland Security is considering new regulations that would prevent H-1B visa extensions. The measure potentially could stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.
According to the report the proposal is part of US President Donald Trump s "Buy American Hire American" initiative promised during the 2016 campaign.
The act under its current form allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants predominantly Indian immigrants beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending.
--IANS
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