"God bless America!", is an old phrase uttered on stages, both small and big in the context of modern day America. The phrase could never have been more relevant than today`s Trump led America.The victory of Republicans is touted as a landslide of sorts. But in reality, it follows the global trend of rising popularity of Far -Right groups amongst common populace. The reason is the growing terror quotient of the planet ,thanks to our brothers with arms- ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram etc. Terrorism exported to Europe and America has made people vary of immigrants and refugees. This has led to the rise of political parties and leaders propagating protectionism and anti-immigration ideas.
In that context, experts miscalculated the people of America to be more liberal, secular and Cosmopolitan. But I`ve felt that people everywhere are the same. When pushed against the wall, own survival becomes paramount. The recent attacks on migrants is a testimony of deep insecurities of the American people.The executive order banning immigrants from 7 muslim countries was part of a poll promise rightfully turned down by the courts. A toned down immigration policy came in next. It promised action against illegal immigrants only. An immigrant became an enforcement priority if he is charged with an offence. He will be summarily deported. Such a step gives sweeping powers to law enforcement authorities which is prone to abuse,
Immigrants from Mexico will bear the brunt of this policy. As far as Indians are concerned,this crackdown doesnt effect them a bit. Most of them are H1B visa holders and I.T companies of India have ensured that they are on the right side of tha law.However, the Silicon Valley is in a state of panic due to uncertainity clouding the current administration.There are talks of increasing the minimum wages for H1B visas making hiring outside the U.S costly and also decrease in the number of visas.
Another conciliatory message that came out recently was moving to a merit based immigration system and moving away from low unskilled labour from abroad. This is a more President like announcement which is better articulated and looks practical.What does "merit " mean?? It is still open to interpretations. Doubling of minimum wages for H1B visa holders, limiting the number of visas ,auctioning of visas , reduction of visas for family members are all possible solutions.
The road ahead is a bumpy one for approximately 300,000 Indians holding H1B visas in the U.S. A policy change will definitely be regressive and at best the rhetoric will always keep an air of uncertainity around. A common misconception that the balance of trade and investment is positive for India must be cleared promptly. We provide IT/ITES services which is more than balanced by U.S companies providing consultancy and financial solutions. This would create a balance in perception .
It goes without saying that America is a land of migrants and it cannot do without them. Just as Superman -"With greater power, comes greater responsibility". The leader of the free world has its rewards and paybacks. America must shoulder this burden in the near future as its moral responsibility.
