Indian-American Republican Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Calls for Radical H-1B Visa Overhaul, Puts Skills First

 Indian-American Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has criticized the H-1B visa program, advocating for a replacement of the lottery system with a merit-based admission process. In an interview with Fox News, Ramaswamy argued that a meritocratic immigration system would align skills with the needs of the country and require applicants to pass a citizenship test. He also highlighted the provisions that prevent H-1B immigrants sponsored by companies from working for other firms without a bureaucratic process.

Ramaswamy, a former biotech entrepreneur, believes the current H-1B system is detrimental to all parties involved and plans to reform it if elected as US President. He has described the lottery system as a form of indentured servitude that benefits only the sponsoring company. Ramaswamy also stressed the need to eliminate chain-based migration and expressed support for using military force to secure the border and deporting US-born children of undocumented immigrants. The implementation of Ramaswamy's proposed reforms could have significant implications for Indians, who account for a large portion of H-1B workers.

A shift to a merit-based system may increase competition among Indian applicants and make it more challenging for individuals to secure H-1B visas. Furthermore, fewer visas may be available for lower-skilled or entry-level positions. Employers would also have a greater role in the selection process, requiring them to demonstrate their commitment to investing in workforce development. Additionally, merit-based immigration proposals may prioritize primary applicants based on individual qualifications, potentially impacting the ability of Indian workers to bring their families to the US.