Indian-origin tech firms cornered a fifth of all H1B visas issued by the US with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Providers main the pack, an evaluation of information from the US immigration division confirmed.
In response to information from the US Citizenship and Immigration Providers, in April-September 2024 interval, out of the full 1.3 lakh H1B visas issued to completely different employers, about 24,766 visas have been issued to Indian-origin firms.
Out of those, Infosys took the lead with 8,140 beneficiaries, adopted by TCS (5,274), and HCL America (2,953).
Infosys got here second to solely Amazon Com Providers LLC, which topped with 9,265 visas.
Cognizant, which was based in Chennai however now has headquarters in New Jersey, ranked third within the listing with 6,321 visas.
The H1B visa programme permits US firms to quickly make use of overseas employees in specialty occupations. Indian firms have been vital beneficiaries of this programme, significantly within the know-how sector.
Main Indian IT providers companies equivalent to Tata Consultancy Providers (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Applied sciences have constantly ranked among the many prime employers for H1B visa holders. Wipro was decrease down this time with 1,634 visa grants. Tech Mahindra stood shut by, having been issued 1,199 visas.
Whereas these firms proceed to profit from the programme, ongoing developments point out a necessity for adaptation in response to regulatory modifications and public sentiment.
The way forward for the H1B visa will possible rely upon balancing the wants of the US companies for expert labour with broader immigration coverage reforms.
Elon Musk, a former H-1B visa holder whose firm Tesla utilises this programme, has publicly supported the tech business’s reliance on overseas employees.
In a publish on X on December 28, Musk emphasised the significance of welcoming people from all backgrounds who contribute to the US by onerous work. He passionately advocated for preserving America as a land of freedom and alternative.
Musk’s assertion additionally obtained backing from President-elect Donald Trump whose first administration restricted the programme in 2020, arguing that it permits companies to exchange People with lower-paid overseas employees.