Targeting H-1B visa holders risks US economy, warns diaspora group

A prominent Indian-American advocacy group has sounded an alarm over proposed immigration restrictions targeting skilled foreign workers, arguing that such measures could inflict significant economic damage on the United States.

Indiaspora issued its statement on October 30, expressing concern over political rhetoric demonising Indian-origin professionals who hold critical positions across healthcare, technology, and education sectors. According to the organisation's executive director Sanjeev Joshipura, Indian H-1B workers have been instrumental in maintaining America's global innovation leadership while contributing billions of dollars to the US economy.

"Driving them away could have very serious consequences for communities nationwide, from major cities to small towns," Joshipura said, highlighting the widespread dependence on foreign talent across diverse regions.

The group has raised concerns about proposed regulatory changes, including substantially increased petition fees for high-tech and healthcare employers and modifications to the current H-1B allocation system. Such measures, Indiaspora argues, would disproportionately affect Indian professionals and could hamper recruitment efforts for critical positions.

The warning underscores growing anxiety among Indian-American communities over the politicisation of immigration policy, particularly as election-season rhetoric intensifies focus on visa programmes and foreign workforce participation in the American economy.