Why US lawmakers are pushing back against Trump’s H-1B visa clampdown

A group of lawmakers led by US Representative Jimmy Panetta has written to President Donald Trump, seeking reconsideration of his recent order on H-1B visas, warning that the move could strain India–US relations and weaken America’s technological edge.

In a letter sent on Thursday, Panetta and four other Congress lawmakers, Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, Derek Tran and Julie Johnson, asked the administration to expand the H-1B visa programme instead of restricting it. No Republican lawmakers joined the appeal.

Panetta said the H-1B programme has long been a key reason behind America’s leadership in technological innovation and is needed now more than ever with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. He added that about 75 per cent of H-1B visa holders come from India, and that the system should not be limited to only those who can afford high costs.

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He said the lawmakers want the administration to preserve and strengthen the H-1B programme so that the United States remains competitive in the 21st century.

H-1B described as cornerstone of US innovation

The lawmakers described the H-1B programme as a cornerstone of American competitiveness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They argued that professionals on H-1B visas contribute to innovation, patent generation and new business formation while complementing American workers rather than replacing them.

“Many of America’s most successful companies were founded or led by former H-1B holders who drive new businesses, job creation, and keep the United States at the forefront of technological progress,” the letter read.

The members added that Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders have strengthened local economies and civic institutions across the United States. “Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders also comprise a thriving constituency in each of our districts, enhancing our local economies, contributing to our academic and civic institutions, and strengthening our communities,” it said.

They urged the administration to preserve and expand the visa programme in order to “strengthen America’s technological leadership, create jobs for American workers, and safeguard national security.”

The letter came a day after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a ban on hiring H-1B visa holders across state universities. According to an IANS report, speaking at a press conference at the University of South Florida, DeSantis said the decision was meant to ensure that Florida citizens are “first in line for job opportunities”

Earlier, US Department of Homeland Security issued fresh guidance on the proposed 100,000 dollar H-1B application fee, granting exemptions to certain applicants. The guidelines specify that workers transitioning from other visa categories such as F-1 student status will not be required to pay the new fee.

The White House reiterated that President Trump’s priority in reforming the H-1B system is to place “American workers first.” The administration’s visa policies have already drawn legal challenges, including lawsuits filed by the US Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.

This is not the first time that members of Congress have raised concerns about the administration’s policies toward India. On October 8, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Deborah Ross led 19 lawmakers in urging president to repair what they described as a “strained” relationship with India and to reverse tariff hikes on Indian goods.

In that letter, the lawmakers said that the decision to raise import duties to 50 per cent had harmed both American consumers and manufacturers and risked pushing India closer to China and Russia. “The United States and India share democratic traditions that set us apart from our authoritarian competitors. Our partnership demonstrates to the world that free and open societies can prosper through cooperation and mutual respect,” they wrote.

The members noted that India’s growing role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific and as a member of the Quad underscores the need for closer engagement.