US President-elect Donald Trump appointed Indian-American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan, who will work alongside David Sacks, former PayPal COO and Trump’s choice to lead AI and Crypto policy, is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of technology and immigration reform in the United States. Among the reforms under consideration is the removal of the per-country cap on H-1B visas, a policy that could significantly impact Indian tech professionals seeking opportunities in the US.
The proposal to remove the per-country cap on H-1B visas has sparked widespread discussion, especially in India, where a large number of highly skilled professionals seek to work in the US tech industry. If enacted, this reform could have profound implications for both India and the US, reshaping the global talent pool and the tech landscape.
The H-1B Visa System and Country Caps
The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare. Currently, there is a per-country cap, meaning that no more than 7% of the total number of H-1B visas can be allocated to workers from any single country, regardless of demand. This system has caused significant delays for applicants from high-demand countries, especially India.
India, with its large pool of highly skilled workers in the tech sector, has long been affected by this cap. Indian applicants often face long waiting times—sometimes over a decade—due to the high demand for H-1B visas. In contrast, applicants from countries with smaller populations of skilled workers may have little to no waiting period. This backlog has caused frustration among many potential immigrants, who are unable to fully contribute to the US economy due to visa restrictions.
Krishnan’s Advocacy and Potential Impact
Sriram Krishnan’s appointment brings renewed attention to the intersection of technology, immigration, and US economic policy. Krishnan has long advocated for immigration reforms that would prioritize merit and streamline the green card process, particularly for skilled workers from countries like India. He has garnered support from influential figures such as David Sacks and Elon Musk, who argue that removing country-specific caps would enable the US to attract and retain global talent more effectively.
If the US moves forward with the removal of the H-1B cap, it could have a transformative impact on Indian professionals seeking to work and settle in the US It would mean faster processing times for highly skilled workers, allowing them to transition from temporary work. status to permanent residency without the years-long wait currently imposed by the per-country cap.
What Happens if the Country Cap is Removed?
Removing the cap would eliminate the bottleneck faced by applicants from high-demand countries like India, enabling them to compete on a level playing field. Instead of being subject to country-specific quotas, applicants would be processed based on merit, allowing the most qualified candidates to secure visas more quickly. For India, which produces a significant proportion of global tech talent, this would drastically improve the prospects for professionals seeking US employment.
This reform would also address the long-standing issue of job uncertainty for foreign workers. Many Indian professionals in the US face difficulties in securing green cards due to the lengthy backlogs, which often affect their families as well. The change could lead to greater job security and increased contributions to the US economy from skilled immigrants.
Economic and Technological Implications
From an economic perspective, the US tech industry has long relied on skilled foreign workers to maintain its global competitiveness. Removing the country cap could accelerate the flow of talent into the US, particularly in the high-demand areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning, fields where Krishnan is deeply involved. This influx of global talent would help sustain US innovation and ensure that the country remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
For India, this reform could mean a greater outflow of highly skilled workers, but it also underscores India’s growing role as a hub for global tech talent. The positive implications of this reform would also extend to US-India relationsfostering deeper cooperation in technology, entrepreneurship, and trade.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the clear advantages, critics remain concerned about the potential for increased competition in the US job market. Some argue that the reform could disadvantage American workers by making it easier for foreign professionals to secure positions. Others point to potential abuses within the H-1B system, where companies might favor foreign workers over US citizens for cost reasons.
A Turning Point for US-India Relations and Global Talent Mobility
The potential removal of the H-1B visa country cap, particularly under the guidance of figures like Sriram Krishnan, reflects a broader shift in US immigration and technology policy. For Indian tech professionals, this change could mean faster visa processing and greater opportunities to contribute to the US economy. However, the proposal will undoubtedly spark a broader debate about balancing global talent attraction with domestic job protection. As the US continues to refine its policies, the evolving relationship between the US and India will be key in shaping the future of the global workforce.
