H-1B Visa Update: Why did 20 states of America open a front against the government? Know what effect this will have on Indian students

News India Live, Digital Desk: We all know that studying or working in America is the dream of millions of Indian youth every year. But the uncertainty that has been prevailing regarding visa rules for some time has not only given sleepless nights to the people living there, but has also troubled the states where these people work or study. Recently, a big news has come out which has shocked everyone. About 20 states of America have come together and opened a front against the Federal Government (Federal Government/Trump Administration context from link). The matter is about new and strict rules related to H-1B visa and foreign students. Let us understand in simple language what is the whole matter and why it is so serious. Why did these states file a case against the government? The biggest question is that why are America’s own states going against their government? The answer is – Financial Burden. The Attorney General of Massachusetts and 19 other states say that the changes the government is making in the visa rules, or the strictness it is showing, is causing huge loss to the economy of those states. The logic of these states is very clear: When the government tightens the rules for H-1B visa holders or international students, foreign talent starts shying away from coming to America. This not only affects the earnings of the universities, but also the local companies there are unable to get skilled workers. The screw of ‘Unlawful Presence’ At the root of this entire controversy is a rule which is called ‘Unlawful Presence’. The states have said in their complaint that the new standards made by the government regarding visa overstay or status not only create confusion but are also very strict. Under this rule, if a student or visa holder commits any mistake unknowingly, they can be asked to leave America immediately and even if they come back in the future, they can be banned for many years. States say that because of this fear: Foreign students are now studying in American universities. They are afraid of taking admission. The H-1B employees who are working there are feeling unsafe. There is a shortage of talent in areas like healthcare and technology. Why is this fight important? You will be surprised to know that along with Massachusetts, big states like Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Virginia are also involved in this legal fight. These states believe that foreign students and professionals coming on H-1B visa contribute a lot to the progress of their state. They not only pay taxes, but also help in running the economy there. These states clearly told the court that these decisions of the government are arbitrary and have been implemented without following the correct procedure, which has increased the “illegal financial burden” on the states. What does this mean for Indians? For us Indians, this news is like a ray of hope. The largest number of people getting H-1B visas are Indians. When the American states themselves are coming forward and saying that “we need these people” and “the strict rules are causing harm,” it shows how much Indian talent is valued in the system there. If the court gives a verdict in favor of these states, then the visa rules may become a little easier in the future and the sword of deportation may be removed from the heads of the students and professionals living there.