What are the requests of the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) to President Biden?
The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has recently urged President Biden to extend the grace period for H-1B and L1/5 visas in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The organization has cited the high number of layoffs and job losses in the United States as a reason for the extension, arguing that many H-1B and L1/5 visa holders have lost their jobs and are struggling to find new employment due to the current economic conditions this extension will help lot of Indians in USA.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as technology, engineering, and science. The L1 visa, on the other hand, is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to transfer employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. Both of these visas are highly sought after by Indian citizens, as many have the skills and qualifications needed for these specialized jobs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the global economy, with many companies and businesses shutting down or laying off employees. This has led to a significant increase in unemployment rates, and many H-1B and L1/5 visa holders have found themselves out of a job. This has left many of them in a difficult situation, as they are unable to return to their home countries due to travel restrictions and are struggling to find new employment in the United States.
FIIDS has urged President Biden to extend the grace period for H-1B and L1/5 visas to give these individuals more time to find new employment and to allow them to remain in the United States during this difficult time. The organization has also called on the President to take steps to address the underlying issues that have led to the current economic downturn, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of access to health care and other essential services.
In conclusion, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) has urged President Biden to extend the grace period for H-1B and L1/5 visas in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, as many H-1B and L1/5 visa holders have lost their jobs and are struggling to find new employment due to the current economic conditions. This extension would give these individuals more time to find new employment and remain in the United States during this difficult time
The non-profit said that the departure of talent from the US is also harmful to the long-term interests of the USA, adding that.
“The Silicon Valley is mostly built and run by tech immigrants where more than 70% startups have immigrant Indian cofounders, and as of 2022 almost 50+ CEOs of public companies are Indian origin migrants.”
A Job Assistance Network has been launched by FIIDS and GITPRO to help job seekers connect with employers.
