US President Donald Trump has introduced major changes to immigration and visa policies immediately after taking the presidential chair for the second time. He has even announced the elimination of the lottery system in the H-1B visa process. In this context, Trump has now issued a moratorium on visa applications in Texas, which will remain in effect for one year. It is anticipated that Indians will face the most difficulties due to this move.
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Many Indians live in Texas and reside in the state on H-1B visas. However, this directive will not cause any inconvenience to those already living there. Instead, those who want to go to Texas anew will face difficulties.
Why Texas issued the moratorium
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has claimed that most jobs in the state are being taken away by foreigners, jobs that should have gone to Americans. He said the moratorium has been issued for this reason.
In the directive, describing Texas as America’s "most powerful economic engine," Abbott wrote that H-1B was introduced for the world’s best talents. But in reality, it is seen that many people are working with this visa whose work could easily be done by Texans themselves. And that would have been appropriate.
Greg Abbott has directed an investigation into how government and private institutions have used visas. At the same time, he announced that the process of reviewing and approving new visa applications will be suspended until May 31. He has also sought reports on how many visa applications have been submitted so far, the applicants’ countries, and when current visas are expiring, directing that these be submitted as soon as possible.
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Impact on Indians in Texas
According to Houston Chronicle statistics, there are approximately 544,641 people of Indian origin in Texas, accounting for 1.8 per cent of the state’s total population. Most of them work in private organisations, though a significant number of Indians are also employed in government hospitals and universities.
Last year, around 58,000 Indians applied to go to Texas. This year, that number is expected to remain around the same. Consequently, a section of informed circles believes that Indians will face the most difficulties due to this directive.
