Indian-American Politicians Face Questions Over Silence on H-1B Visa Issues
Recently, Shashi Tharoor raised concerns about the lack of response from Indian-American politicians regarding key issues affecting U.S.-India relations, particularly surrounding trade and the H-1B visa. He noted that there seems to be a quietness within the Indian-American community about these pressing matters.
In response to Tharoor’s comments, Suhag A. Shukla, the leader of the Hindu American Foundation, expressed disagreement. He indicated that Tharoor and others shouldn’t expect the diaspora to take a stand on every issue, especially when lobbyists are available to advocate for such interests. Shukla pointed out that just as the Indian government operates independently without seeking diaspora approval on policy matters, the Indian-American community should not be held to the same expectations.
“Perhaps understanding our perspective might help before casting blame,” Shukla tweeted, emphasizing the complexities the diaspora faces.
Tharoor also mentioned that a Congresswoman shared her surprise at receiving no calls from Indian-American voters urging her to support changes in H-1B policies. He found this lack of engagement concerning, indicating that there should be more communication from the community about important issues.
US Congressman Ami Bera, who was part of a delegation with Tharoor, expressed his strong disapproval of the Trump administration’s increased fees for H-1B visas, which now stand at $100,000. He stressed the importance of these skilled workers to the U.S. economy and argued that their presence does not push out the American workforce.
Overall, these discussions highlight the ongoing dialogue about the role of the Indian-American community in shaping policies that impact both India and the United States.
