• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

A political firestorm is brewing across Indian and US immigrant communities after US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for an end to “Indian H-1B visas replacing American jobs.” Her comment, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on August 4, adds a sharp edge to ongoing debates on immigration policy, employment-based visas, and US-India trade tensions. This development comes on the heels of a strong advisory issued by the US Embassy in India, warning Indian visa holders to strictly follow the terms of their stay or face severe consequences, including visa revocation, deportation, and future visa ineligibility.

In a retweet of President Donald Trump’s message proposing higher tariffs on Indian exports due to India’s continued oil trade with Russia, Greene added her own statement, "End Indian H-1B visas displacing American jobs instead." The comment from the Georgia Republican, although unattached to any legislative policy or bill, has created anxiety for Indian-origin students and young professionals in the US, particularly those who are presently on F-1 student visas, OPT (Optional Practical Training), or in line for H-1B lottery results. USCIS statistics reveal that close to 70 per cent of H-1B visas in FY2024 went to Indian nationals — placing India as the country with the largest number of highly qualified foreign laborers in the US.

US Embassy's Visa Overstay Warning Aids Concern

In another related but independent development, the US Embassy in India issued a blunt advisory, calling on Indian nationals to strictly adhere to their approved period of stay in the United States. “Respect the terms of your US visa and your authorized period of stay in the United States. Remaining in the US past your I-94 ‘Admit Until Date’ can lead to visa revocation, deportation, and future ineligibility,” the embassy posted on X. This comes amid increased scrutiny of non-immigrant visa types like H-1B, F-1, and B-1/B-2, particularly with post-COVID US visa demand soaring to record highs. Officials threatened that violators would face multi-year bars, refused future entries, and immigration record flags.

ALSO READ: US' Big Warning To Indians In America: 'Respect Terms Of Your US Visa, Or Face Severe Consequences'

It should be noted that no executive order or legislative proposal has yet been made to curtail Indian access to H-1B visas. Greene's comment is a subjective political commentary and not an official policy statement. Still, such comments have the potential to shape public debate, incite anti-immigration sentiment, and inform future legislative initiatives, especially as the aftermath of the 2024 US presidential election continues to drive national agendas.

ALSO READ: US New Visa Rule Update: Foreigners Need To Pay $15,000 Visitors Bond | Here's What You Need To Know

In recent Congressional debates, lawmakers have already argued over transparency in the H-1B lottery system, minimum wage protections, and requiring prioritization of STEM talent educated in the US. Although Marjorie Taylor Greene's anti-H-1B statement and the US Embassy's advisory are separate events on the surface, both events mirror an environment of escalating scrutiny of Indian nationals making their way through education and work in the US.

Also In News