Washington: The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has expressed its support for increased scrutiny of H-1B visa applications. However, the organization warns that this should not hinder innovation in America. They believe that there are many specialized job roles that cannot be quickly filled by the local workforce.
FIIDS, an advocacy group, made these comments shortly after President Donald Trump announced tighter regulations for the H-1B visa program. He argued that some employers, especially in the IT outsourcing sector, had misused the program.
Khanderao Kand, the Chief of Policy and Strategy at FIIDS, stated, “We understand the government’s desire to protect the economy and American jobs while also addressing misuse of the H-1B program. These are valid goals.”
Kand emphasized that America’s success in attracting top talent has made it a leader in innovation. He noted that industries such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced semiconductors often face specific skill shortages that cannot be filled by the current domestic workforce.
He also highlighted that the best way to strengthen the U.S. economy is to ensure workers are protected, recognize businesses that follow the rules, invest in American talent, and continue to attract skilled individuals whose ideas drive new job creation.
“The solution doesn’t lie in pitting American workers against skilled immigrants. Instead, we need a fair system that includes strict enforcement against fraud, penalties for wrongdoers, strong protections for wages and recruitment practices, and investments in local education and training. There should also be a clear and lawful path for employers to hire international talent when there is a true need,” Kand explained.
FIIDS calls for a balanced approach to implementing these changes, advocating for evidence-based practices rather than making assumptions based on a company’s overall headcount or the number of visas used.
In line with these changes, President Trump has announced an extension to a previous requirement for a $100,000 fee for some H-1B visa petitions. This measure, as stated by the White House, has reportedly led to a significant drop in H-1B applications from larger IT outsourcing firms.
Indians continue to be the largest group benefiting from the U.S. H-1B visa program. Trump has also issued new orders to enhance scrutiny on visa applications, directing agencies to consider recent layoffs of American employees in similar roles when reviewing new applications. This is part of an effort to uphold the integrity of the program and prevent the displacement of U.S. workers.
