Democrat Ajay Jain Bhutoria has shed light on the growing divide within the Indian-American community concerning recent H-1B visa reforms. In a recent podcast appearance, Bhutoria emphasized that while the H-1B program was initially designed to attract highly skilled workers to the U.S., it is now creating challenges for both Indian-American and American-born graduates, particularly in the tech industry.
Bhutoria pointed out the increasing frustration among second-generation Indian Americans, especially those born and educated in the U.S. Despite their hard work and qualifications, many are finding it difficult to secure appropriate employment opportunities. He noted that this sentiment is prevalent in regions like Michigan and Ohio, where local graduates feel that opportunities are not equally accessible compared to their counterparts from India.
The introduction of a $100,000 annual fee for new H-1B visa applications has further intensified these concerns. While this policy aims to prioritize domestic hiring, it has led to perceptions of unequal treatment within the tech industry, where both foreign and American-born graduates are vying for the same positions.
Bhutoria’s comments highlight the need for a balanced approach in immigration policies that considers the interests of all stakeholders, ensuring fair opportunities for both foreign and domestic talent in the U.S. job market.
