The recent U.S. administration’s move to sharply increase the H-1B visa fee has sparked widespread criticism from academic and business circles. Among the most vocal critics is a Yale University scholar, who argued that the decision could severely impact America’s competitiveness in the global talent market.
Highlighting the reputation of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the scholar remarked, “Every country would kill to get IIT graduates.” He stressed that the U.S. has long benefitted from attracting some of the brightest minds from India and other countries, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and research. By imposing such a steep financial barrier, the U.S. risks discouraging this flow of talent.
The H-1B visa has been a gateway for thousands of highly skilled professionals, particularly from India, to contribute to America’s workforce. Silicon Valley and other technology hubs have consistently relied on this talent pool to fuel innovation and sustain growth. Industry leaders fear that the visa fee hike will not only burden applicants but also deter companies from hiring skilled workers abroad.
Critics argue that countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are already capitalizing on the opportunity by offering friendlier immigration policies to skilled professionals. The Yale scholar warned that the U.S. could lose its edge if policies continue to make it harder for global talent to enter and thrive in the country.
For Indian graduates, particularly from premier institutions like IITs, the message is clear: the world is ready to welcome them, and they may increasingly look beyond America for opportunities.