H-1B ruling offers respite to Indians
On 8 June, a US federal judge in Boston struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling it an unlawful tax that Congress never authorized.
On 8 June, a US federal judge in Boston struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling it an unlawful tax that Congress never authorized.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday staunchly defended legal immigration, saying he would welcome "thousands of people" from abroad to train American workers in tech-related industries.
In a major relief for foreign workers on H-1B visas, the US Department of Homeland Security has issued new guidance on the $100,000 application fee, providing a series of exemptions and carveouts.
The new USD 100,000 application fee for H-1B visas imposed by the United States (US) administration could cut immigrant work authorisations by as many as 5,500 each month, according to JP Morgan Chase.
Indian and India-centric firms operating in Washington have significantly reduced their reliance on H-1B visas, it added.
The high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump underscores the delicate balance between cooperation and contention in bilateral trade and strategic relations.
A US lawmaker has introduced legislation proposing to double the annual intake of foreign workers on H-1B visas, a short-term work permit that has been a gateway for Indians to work, live and, eventually, seek citizenship of this country.
The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, a media report has stated.
Meanwhile in America the unemployment figures have reached an all-time high due to the COVID-19 pandemic with 33 million citizens filing for unemployment coverage in March.
The request was made by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan to US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E Biegun during their telephonic conversation earlier this week.
