'America First': Marco Rubio Defends US Work Visa Changes
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends new work visa rules, stating they aim to put America first and are not specifically targeted at India.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has addressed the growing concerns in India regarding recent shifts in US work visa rules, asserting that the modifications are not a targeted strike against Indian professionals but a broader effort to prioritize American national interests.
During a visit to India, Rubio spoke with India Today News to clarify the administration's stance. He emphasized that while the changes may impact Indians seeking employment in the United States or those being recruited by American businesses, the policy is global in scope and not specifically geared toward any one nation.
Addressing a 'Broken' Immigration System
Rubio argued that the United States has been grappling with an immigration system that is fundamentally broken. He pointed out that various business-related immigration programs have historically been plagued by rampant fraud and abuse, often being misused in ways that lacked logical sense.
"These things have to be addressed and we're trying to address them, but they're not aimed at India. They apply to any country, every country in the world," Rubio stated.
Major IT Giants Hit by Suspensions
The Secretary of State's comments come in the wake of significant regulatory actions. On October 9, the US Government suspended several of the world's largest IT outsourcing firms from the Permanent Labour Certification Program (Green Card). The list of affected companies includes:
- Tata
- Infosys
- Wipro
- HCL
- Cognizant
- Capgemini
Interestingly, the crackdown was not limited to outsourcing firms; US tech giants Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended from the program. The US Labour Department linked these suspensions to multiple active federal investigations, noting that the involved companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and secured hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications.
New Fees and the 'America First' Philosophy
Adding to the pressure, the US Department of Homeland Security recently proposed new fees for F-1 non-immigrant students who wish to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT). This move was described as a necessary step to protect American workers and maintain the integrity of the immigration framework.
Rubio framed these decisions within the broader philosophy of the current administration. He noted that just as he expects the Indian government to prioritize its own citizens and national interests, the United States under President Trump will do the same.
"I also hope everyone understands that the United States under President Trump is going to put our people first, our workers first and our country first," Rubio added.
India's Perspective on Skilled Migration
India has maintained a different perspective on the movement of skilled professionals. The Indian government has emphasized that the flow of talent between the two nations is mutually beneficial, driving innovation, research, productivity, and the creation of new jobs in both countries.
Furthermore, India has highlighted that the recent restrictive measures announced by the US government may not align with the shared strategic and economic objectives of the two partner nations.