Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether India and America are committed to further strengthen their relationship;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of H1B visa policy implemented by the American Government;
(d) whether the said policy is likely to impact India; and
(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) India and the United States have a strong and multi-faceted strategic partnership. Both countries have agreed to intensify their cooperation to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and digital partnership.
(c) to (e) A significant number of Indian professionals travel to the U.S. every year under various work visa programmes, including the H-1B programme. There are proposals under consideration in the U.S. to revise and reform the H-1B visa programme. However, so far, no comprehensive changes have been made.
In the current (115th) Congress, six Bills relating to H-1B and L-1 visa programmes have been introduced by individual congressmen and senators. However, so far, none of these Bills have been passed.
On the Executive side, on April 18, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) titled “Buy American and Hire American”, which requires different arms of the U.S. Administration to suggest reforms to the H-1B visa programme. This process is still underway and no changes have been proposed as yet.
The Government of India remains closely engaged with the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Administration on this issue. There is positive recognition in the U.S. of the contributions made by Indian skilled professionals to the growth and development of the U.S. economy as well as in helping the U.S. retain its competitive edge and innovation advantage.