ADVERTISEMENTs
GOPIO-CT discusses H-1B visa concerns with Congressman Jim Himes
Democratic leader Himes extended solidarity with GOPIO-CT's views against Trump's new H-1B policy.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Tue, 14, Oct 2025
- 03:08 EDT
- 20
GOPIO-CT’s virtual meeting (from left) (top) Attorney Nandita Ruchandani, Rep. Jim Himes. (bottom)Prasad Chintalapudi, Shailehs Naik, Dr. S.K. Lo and Dr. Thomas Abraham. / Handout: GOPIO-CT
The Connecticut Chapter the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) held a virtual meeting with Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes on Oct. 9 to discuss the Trump administration's new H-1B Visa Policy.
Organized under the aegis of GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, the discussion, titled 'H-1B Visa Fee Hike of $100,000', was attended by GOPIO-CT and GOPIO International officials as well as members and businesses who have been affected by the policy change.
In his address, Dr. Abraham noted, "By making it difficult for highly qualified people to work in the USA, the country will lose out in the long run if they take employment in Canada, German and China, which have offered to take them."
He also highlighted the community’s concerns on the tardiness of the US-India dialogue to resolving this bilateral issue.
GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani pointed out the disproportional impact endured by smaller firms. Pointing out that the larger corporations can afford to pay the $100,000 fees, he cautioned that the cost will be unbearable for small and medium businesses. Jhangiani also expressed his concerns on the anti-India policies of the Trump Administration.
ALSO READ: Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B worker visas challenged in lawsuit
Prasad Chintalapudi, the founder of Panzer Solutions, highlighted the challenges faced by smaller firms. Gleaning from his personal experience as an entrepreneur, he said that many small and medium companies who have H-1B visa holders on their payroll have been creating local employment and keeping jobs in the USA. He also said that many CEOs of large companies including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Aravind Krishna emerged from the H1B program.
Cameron Engineers President Shailesh Naik also echoed similar sentiments and brought to the attention of Congressman Himes that the new fee hike will harm small companies who hire highly qualified tech people.
Attorney Nandita Ruchandani who spoke on behalf of Cameron Engineers said that H-1B holders included doctors and other healthcare professionals in underserved areas, teachers, accountants, and engineers as well as tech workers.
Ruchandani also pointed out that H-1B immigrants pay into the social security system but can never access that money until they become permanent residents. They own houses and pay taxes that bolster school systems and other social services. H-1B holders are often employed by American businesses that will have to shut down because the profit margin is just not enough to justify paying the $100,000 fee. For example, small engineering firms that build and repair municipal water systems are limited to what they can pay by what they can charge the local government.
Also, speaking at the virtual meeting was Dr. S.K. Lo, Chairperson of Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) who said that such issues have to be taken unitedly and AAUC is willing to support.
Congressman Himes, who is in his ninth term, serves as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and on the House Financial Services Committee.
Congressman Himes listened to the concerns raised and expressed solidarity with GOPIO-CT. Welcoming the demands, he noted that the issues in US-India Relations have to be resolved soon. Rep. Himes agreed with Dr. Abraham that many highly qualified people would leave the USA which will be a great loss to the USA.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login