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Foreigners look forward to studying, working, and settling in America after getting legal status through non-immigrant visas, green cards, or other immigration routes.
However, of late, international students and foreign workers are having a tough time trying to figure out what could be the impact of Trump’s immigration policies on them. Foreign workers and overseas students are on edge due to Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship and his support for American jobs.
In an exclusive interview with Financial Express Online, Saurabh Goel, CEO & Co-Founder of Amber, examines the implications of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship for foreigners, as well as on what H1B visa seekers could expect in the months ahead.
What could be the impact of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship on international students living in America?
Although there’s a lot of discussion around Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, it doesn’t affect international students much. These students are here on non-immigrant visas purely for their studies, so their status remains unchanged. U.S. colleges are committed to providing an inclusive environment, no matter the political climate. While the conversation around citizenship policies evolves, the welcome mat at American universities stays firmly in place.
There’s often criticism of the H1B visa program for potentially displacing local workers. What’s your perspective on balancing this dynamic?
The H1B visa is important for filling skill shortages, particularly in tech, healthcare, and engineering. Concerns about displacing local workers exist, but the program is designed to complement—rather than compete with—the domestic workforce. Businesses tap into this global talent pool to improve productivity, which in turn allows them to invest in training for local employees.
It’s also worth noting that President Trump, while opposed to illegal immigration, supports legal pathways like the H1B visa. His recent backing of the H1B program, along with support from close advisers like Elon Musk, provides a strong endorsement for the H1B visa in the USA.
What are the biggest hurdles H1B visa holders face in transitioning to permanent residency in the U.S.?
Moving from an H1B visa to permanent residency can be tricky, with long waits and annual visa quotas. These challenges have spurred reforms to modernize immigration processes. Over time, policymakers have recognized the importance of ensuring that skilled professionals can contribute to the U.S. economy without unnecessary delay.
Initiatives aimed at reducing backlogs, improving administrative efficiency, and updating quotas are steps in a positive direction. Although the process has its uncertainties, the majority of people navigate it successfully each year.
How do prolonged Green Card backlogs impact the lives of international students and professionals, and what reforms would you advocate for?
Green Card delays can disrupt long-term planning for international students and professionals. These issues underscore the urgent need for immigration reform. Suggestions like increasing visa limits and using technology to speed up processing could make a big difference. These changes would reduce uncertainty and ensure that the U.S. remains a top destination for skilled workers.
How has President Trump’s stance on immigration influenced the opportunities for legal immigration, particularly through the H-1B visa?
For many Indians eyeing opportunities in the U.S., the future looks bright. The U.S. values its diverse mix of people, and Indians have become key players in its universities, tech sectors, and businesses. While President Trump has expressed opposition to illegal immigration, he’s shown support for legal pathways like the H1B visa, which is encouraging.
Plus, having close advisers like Elon Musk who advocate for high-skilled immigration in the form of H1B visas adds another layer of strong support. America is still very much a place where dreams can come true, and the ongoing arrival of skilled folks only boosts its role in the global economy.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-h-1b-visa-should-foreigners-seeking-us-green-cards-be-concerned-about-trumps-immigration-policies-3756628/
