H-1B Visa Debate: Indian-Origin Man Faces Backlash

An Indian-origin man residing in the United States, Rohit Joy, has sparked controversy by advocating for the termination of the H-1B visa program and the repatriation of its holders. Joy's remarks, made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), have drawn significant criticism, particularly from the Indian community.

In response to a post by Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, who supported expanding domestic visa renewals for H-1B and other low-risk visa holders, Joy wrote:

"All H-1B visas should expire, the program should be ended, and visa holders should be sent back to their home countries. It has nothing to do with keeping America competitive. Our major national competitors don't bring in large numbers of foreign workers."

Joy's comments have been met with backlash from various users on social media, many of whom highlighted the contributions of H-1B visa holders to the U.S. economy and criticized his stance as insensitive and contrary to the interests of skilled immigrants.

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher. The visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended up to six years, with further extensions possible for those pursuing permanent residency.

Currently, H-1B visa holders are required to travel to a U.S. embassy in their home country for renewals, a process that can lead to delays and uncertainty. To address this issue, a pilot program was launched in 2024 to allow certain H-1B holders to renew their visas from within the U.S., an initiative recommended by Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Jain Bhutoria.

The debate over the H-1B visa program continues to be a contentious topic in U.S. immigration policy, with proponents emphasizing its role in maintaining America's competitive edge by attracting top global talent, while critics argue it may impact domestic employment opportunities.