Scrap H-1B visas, deport holders, says Indian-origin politician, faces backlash

An Indian-origin politician sparked a massive controversy online after suggesting that the US should terminate the H-1B visa programme and deport such visa holders. The remarks by Rohit Joy, a young Republican from Texas, came in response to another senior Republican who supported relief for H-1B visa holders. Indians, the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B programme, were quick to remind Joy of his immigrant background.

Joy was countering the statement of Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, who was supporting the expansion of domestic visa renewals for H-1B and other low-risk visa holders.

The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers. There has been a debate about hiring foreign workers through H-1B in the US.

Indians make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders. In 2022, Indian nationals secured 77% of the 320,000 approved H-1B visas, and in fiscal year 2023, this figure remained high at 72.3% of the 386,000 visas issued.

The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire skilled foreign workers in speciality occupations that typically require at least a Bachelor’s degree. Initially valid for three years, H-1B visas can be extended up to six years, with further extensions possible for those on the path to permanent residency.

INDIAN ORIGIN REPUBLICAN: ALL H-1B VISAS SHOULD EXPIRE

"Last week, I joined a bipartisan push to expand domestic visa renewals for H-1B and other low-risk visa holders. It's time to modernise our visa system by reducing costs, boosting efficiency, and keeping America competitive," McCormick posted.

In response, Joy wrote on X: "All H-1B visas should expire, the program should be ended, and visa holders should be sent back to their home countries. It has nothing to do with keeping America competitive. Our major national competitors don't bring in large numbers of foreign workers."

Joy’s post drew significant backlash online, with many users opposing his stance.

One user commented, "Why do immigrants or progeny of immigrants want to pull up the ladder after they are comfortably ensconced in the countries of their choice?"

Another wrote, "I don't have an opinion yet on whether H1-B should be ended in the future or reworked. I'd be in favour of something to the effect of, if you're a current H1-B and have submitted net positive tax returns for five years, then we can open up the green card path to you, and then shut down H1-B for the future (thinking out loud)."

A person even cautioned, "America would lose its dominance in tech to China if we ended H-1B."

Some pointed out that Joy’s own family may have benefitted from the same visa programme, with one remarking, "His dad wouldn't be in this country without H-1B."

Despite the criticism, Joy doubled down, posting, "I won’t be going anywhere. I’m a US citizen."

Some users supported Joy’s stance. One person commented, "Absolutely! These people overstay their welcome, and nobody seems to care!"